Man Sentenced for Fatally Shooting Best Friend

March 19, 2013


A Harborcreek Township man has been sentenced for fatally shooting his best friend.

19-year-old John Schlick was sentenced to 18 months to 4 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.

As part of a plea deal, Schlick pleaded guilty to shooting his best friend, 19-year-old Marshall Curl, on September 18th.

Judge Shad Connelly told Schlick that he took into consideration many circumstances... including witness letters from both sides, age, background and character.

Judge Connelly says that while Schlick does take full responsibility without excuse, and has shown great remorse, the end result is the same and Curl is gone.

On September 18, 2012, Schlick and his friends were in the basement of Schlick's East Lake Road home in Harborcreek Township.

Curl was sitting on the couch when Schlick fired one shot., hitting Curl in the chest..

The death was ruled a homicide by Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook.

Schlick admitted he had been drinking for several hours prior to shooting Curl.

In court, Schlick spoke briefly, saying he can't take back what's done, and he fully accepts whatever the judge decides.

District Attorney Jack Daneri says he and the family of Curl believe the sentence was fair.