Trial date announced for accused killer of Morrow County sheriff's deputy

MOUNT GILEAD, Ohio (WCMH) – A jury trial for a man accused of killing a Morrow County sheriff’s deputy has been scheduled for the summer of 2026.

According to Morrow County court records, pretrial motions in the murder trial of Brian Wilson will begin on May 8, 2026, with jury selection to begin one month later.

Wilson, who could face the death penalty, is being held on 14 charges, including aggravated murder, premeditated aggravated murder, felony murder, three counts of felonious assault, attempted murder, attempted aggravated murder, domestic violence, two counts of unlawful discharging of a weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm, and discharging a firearm while intoxicated. Eleven of the charges include a three-year weapon specification. See an earlier report in the video player above.

Those charges stem from the shooting of deputy Daniel Sherrer, who was responding to a domestic disturbance call at Wilson’s home on County Road 26, just south of Marengo.

Upon arrival, Wilson reportedly told Sherrer, “You better just f—— go if you want your family to see you tomorrow.” Several gunshots were heard and Sherrer was hit during the exchange. More shots were fired, a court affidavit said, and two firearms were recovered, including a semiautomatic pistol and a revolver.

Wilson was also shot during the exchange and was hospitalized for nearly a week. He pleaded not guilty and initially issued a $5 million bond without the possibility of paying 10% by a municipal court judge. That bond was amended in common pleas court to $9 million, the amount Morrow County prosecuting attorneys were originally seeking.

If found guilty, Wilson's sentencing date has been scheduled for July 8.

After his death, Sherrer was honored with a 120-mile procession, and Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags flown at half staff. Sherrer was laid to rest on June 4 at a private ceremony at Marion Cemetery.