Lebanon inmate who faced death penalty charged to life without parole

LEBANON — UPDATE 3/14/20 @ 6:15 a.m.:

Jack D. Welninski, 34, was sentenced to life without parole.

Welninski was convicted of aggravated murder earlier this month after killing a fellow inmate, Kevin Nill, in 2018.

Welninski was already serving 69 years in prison for the 2015 attempted murder of Oregon (OH) Police Department officer.

UPDATE 3/11/20 @ 5:50 p.m.:

The jury has recommended the death penalty for Jack D. Welninski, who was convicted of aggravated murder for killing his inmate.

Although the jury has made its recommendation, the judge will make the final determination on the sentencing.

The judge is expected to make the final sentencing tomorrow at 10 a.m., according to Warren County courts.

INITIAL REPORT 3/6/20:

Jack D. Welninski, 34, was convicted of aggravated murder Friday for the 2018 killing of fellow inmate Kevin Nill.

The jury also convicted Welninski of a capital specification for committing a murder under detention at a state correctional institution, and the judge convicted him of committing aggravated murder after previously being convicted of the attempt to kill another.

These specifications made Welninski capable of receiving the death penalty for his crimes.

According to a press release, the same jury that convicted him will move to the penalty phase on March 10th. At that time, they will consider the sentencing recommendations of death, life without parole, 30 years to life, or 25 years to life.

Welninski is already serving 69 years in prison for 2015 attempted murder of Oregon (OH) Police Department officer.

Welninski is currently incarcerated at the Ohio State Penitentiary in Youngstown, Ohio.