Formal sentencing set for Aug. 26
By Abigail Roberts
A jury has found Joseph G. Nutgrass guilty of wanton murder in the 2024 death of his roommate, 45-year-old Ricky Patterson.
Nutgrass, 51, was found guilty following a three-day trial in Lincoln County.
He was originally charged with murder in March of 2024 and later indicted by a Lincoln County grand jury in May.
According to previous news reports, Nutgrass called 911 on March 5, 2024 to report that Patterson was unresponsive after the two got into a physical altercation.
Patterson died from asphyxiation.
Court officials said the trial included testimony from two different medical examiners, police, a 911 dispatcher, a paramedic, and cell phone data experts. Nutgrass also testified.
The jury deliberated for a few hours before returning a guilty verdict on July 30.
Following the verdict, jurors recommended a 25-year prison sentence.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Aug. 26
