(12-23-21) This afternoon Sarah Buzzard (30) of Marion, Indiana pleaded guilty in Mercer County Common Pleas Court to one count of aggravated murder as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors in the murder of Ryan Zimmerman (21) of Columbus.

The state and the defense council have both recommended a sentence of 30 years to life in prison. The Judge will be able to impose a sentence of life without parole. Buzzard will avoid the death penalty as part of the plea deal.

Buzzard will be sentenced in Mercer County Common Pleas Court on Thursday January 20th, 2022 at 2 pm.

Zimmerman’s skeletal remains were found in January 2016 off of US 127 near Coldwater Creek. Buzzard remains housed in the Mercer County Adult Dentition Center.

Nolle prosequi (abbreviated nol. pros.) is a Latin phrase, which directly translates to “not to wish to prosecute.” Nolle prosequi is a legal notice or entry of record that the prosecutor or plaintiff has decided to abandon the prosecution or lawsuit.

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