(3-6-25) According to a www.vwindependent.com story…a hearing today in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court, Ryan Houser (39) of Rockford, changed his plea from not guilty to no contest to a single count of murder, an unclassified felony in this case. In exchange, three other charges – aggravated murder, an unclassified felony, possessing a weapon under disability, and tampering with evidence, both third degree felonies, were dismissed by Van Wert County Prosecutor Eva Yarger.
RELATED:
- VW Independent – Houser found guilty, faces 15 to life on murder charge
- Rockford Man Indicted In Van Wert Murder
- Van Wert Woman Found Dead In Apartment, Police Say It Is A Homicide
All of the charges come from the September 2023, shooting death of Houser’s girlfriend, Barbara Ganger of Van Wert.
Houser changed his plea and acknowledged that he understood the consequences, Judge Martin D. Burchfield found him guilty and scheduled his sentencing for May 7th at 10am.
In Ohio…
Murder is an unclassified felony in Ohio. Unclassified felonies are the most serious felonies in Ohio, and they have mandatory prison terms. The penalty for murder in Ohio ranges from 15 years in prison to life in prison. The penalty for murder may also include a fine of up to $20,000.
Obituary
Barbara Normajean “Barbie” Daisy, age 43, passed away Monday, September 4, 2023, at her home in Van Wert.
She was born December 12, 1979, in Greenville, to Richard and Rosie (Lange) Beougher. Her father, mother, and step-father, Ted Steffen, are deceased.
Barbie is survived by her children: Angel (Matt) Belanger, Brandon Ganger and Colin Ganger of Middle Point, and Dakota Ganger of Rockford, step-children: Corey Weis, Christina Stevens and Daniel Ganger, grandchildren: Leondre and Maci, and step-grandchildren: Landon, Logan and Madison. Also surviving is her sister, Diane Ginter of Convoy, brother, James Beougher, nieces, nephews, and a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by an uncle, Dick Lange, aunt, Sharon Hicks, and a nephew, Jesse Lange.
Barbie had attended Jay County High School in Portland, and worked at the Fremont Company in Rockford.
She loved her family, and they were her motivation to turn her life around. Barbie had a sweet disposition and the voice of an angel. She would do anything for anyone, including giving away her last dollar, if necessary.
Barbie enjoyed cooking, especially “Hobo Stew”. She was involved with a sobriety support group to help others succeed. Barbie especially loved spending time with her grandkids.
Mercer County Outlook 