Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A Warsaw man was sentenced to 8 years in prison for the neglect that allegedly killed an elderly man in 1996.
Ronald W. Harris Sr. pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent, a Class B felony, in Kosciusko County Superior Court. He was then sentenced to 10 years in prison with two years suspended. Harris will be placed on probation during those two years.
Harris was charged with neglect and aggravated battery in the death of Al Vorick on Dec. 19, 1996. Vorick was found dead in his bedroom in the house he shared with Harris.
A medical examiner told detectives that Vorick's death could have been caused by mild blunt force trauma. Internal bleeding on the right side of Vorick's brain was ruled the cause of death.
Harris initially told police he put Vorick, who was reportedly drunk, to bed about 9:30 p.m. the night before his death and did not find Vorick dead until 11:30 a.m. the next day.
But police later found that Harris allegedly struck Vorick and restrained him with tape, leaving him under a Christmas tree 45 minutes before putting him to bed.
Harris was remanded into custody Jan. 16 after his sentencing. Harris was sentenced by Judge Duane Huffer.
Harris was ordered by the court to make restitution of $1,693.86 to Richard Vorick for funeral expenses and $575 to the estate of Albert Vorick. He was also ordered to pay $125 in court costs.
The count of aggravated battery was dismissed.
