AKRON, OH (WOIO) -
A jury found Heather Lerch, 21, of St. Leger Avenue in Akron, guilty of Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Endangering for the February death of her 17-month-old son Patrick.
Patrick died February 26 after ingesting large amounts of methamphetamine. Lerch and her son moved into the home of her boyfriend, Randy Legg, on St. Leger Avenue just days before Patrick died. Patrick was kept in the home's rat-infested basement in the care of two other men, who were cooking and high on meth throughout Patrick's last days.
"This was a horrific crime, and I thank the jury for finding Heather Lerch guilty of killing her son," said Prosecutor Walsh. "Patrick's death is, unfortunately, a very sad example of how drugs - especially meth - ruin lives."
Randy Legg, 19, is scheduled to go to trial October 4. He is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Endangering and several drug charges. His brother, Ronald Legg, 22, is scheduled to go to trial September 24 on charges of Murder, Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Endangering and several drug charges. A third man, Allen Kostra, 25, pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter, Child Endangering and Illegal Manufacture of Drugs. He testified for the State again Heather Lerch.
Judge Thomas Parker will sentence Lerch at 9:00 a.m. on September 25.
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Heather Lerch
Allen Ray Kostra
Ronald S. Legg
Randy L. Legg
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