Michael Geckler, the suspect originally charged with felonious assault for a violent incident involving a bow and arrow, has been found guilty of attempted murder. Geckler, 20, of Massillon, faced accusations of purposefully shooting a 17-year-old friend in the back with a bow and arrow and subsequently stabbing the teen at a King Road residence in September.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim, his siblings, and mother delivered impactful statements. Judge Michael Rapella presided over the case as Geckler was sentenced to eight to 12 years in prison for the heinous crime. He was also convicted for one count of felonious assault.
Geckler’s actions led to the 17-year-old victim suffering serious injuries. A 911 call revealed the severity of the incident, with dispatchers guiding immediate aid to the teenager, who was later hospitalized.
Geckler initially entered a not guilty plea, with the pre-trial proceedings scheduled in the Carroll County Common Pleas Court. However, the grand jury indictment escalated the charges to attempted murder, resulting in the recent sentencing decision.