A 45-year-old man from Ohio has admitted to murdering an 81-year-old man after doing yard work at the victim’s home, later hiding the body under brush in a wooded area. The shocking crime has left the local community heartbroken, especially because the victim was known for his kindness and generosity.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty in Shocking Murder Case
John Thomas Scott pleaded guilty to murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Gary Franke. The incident took place in Lancaster, located about 30 miles southeast of Columbus.
Scott now faces a prison sentence ranging from 18 years to life. The court is expected to announce his final sentence at a later date.
Victim Found Buried on His Own Property
According to police records, officers responded to Franke’s home on South Maple Street on August 9 after receiving a missing person report.
During the search, officers discovered Franke’s body in a wooded section of his property. Investigators confirmed he had died from a gunshot wound.
Suspect Confessed After Police Investigation
Detectives later found that Scott had been working in Franke’s yard the day before the murder.
After being taken into custody and questioned, Scott reportedly confessed to the crime. He admitted that after finishing the yard work, he decided to rob Franke and killed him during the robbery.
Police said Scott later returned to the property with his girlfriend, Holly McDaniel. Together, they buried Franke’s body in a wooded area to hide the crime.
Girlfriend Also Facing Charges
Authorities arrested Scott and McDaniel one day after the murder.
McDaniel has been charged with:
- Tampering with evidence
- Obstructing justice
Her case is still ongoing.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Generous Neighbor
Franke was widely respected in his community for helping people in need. Friends and neighbors described him as someone who regularly:
- Bought meals for struggling families
- Offered work opportunities on his real estate properties
- Helped people rebuild their lives
- Gave neighborhood children rides on his golf cart
Neighbors said Franke believed strongly in giving people second chances, even when it involved personal risk.
His obituary reflected the same values, remembering him as a man known for kindness, generosity, and helping others start over.
Sentencing Yet to Be Announced
Investigators also revealed that Franke had known Scott for more than 30 years, making the betrayal even more heartbreaking for those who knew him.
A sentencing date for Scott has not yet been officially announced.
