MANSFIELD — Prosecutors believe Amanda Cole showed signs of injury, resulting in the death of Brandon Ewers.
Richland County Prosecutor Gary Bishop said Wednesday two of three men charged in the incident have been indicted by a grand jury for aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting involuntary manslaughter.
“The 49-year-old female did exhibit signs of injury,” Bishop said. “Whether those injuries are consistent with assault, I don’t want to comment.”
Guy Mitchell, 26, and Robert Cole, 29, were indicted in Ewers’ death, Bishop said. The prosecutor declined comment on the case against Henry Gassaway, 24, who Mansfield police said was also charged.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on Feb. 4.
“It starts with a woman exhibiting signs of injury,” Bishop said. “Members of her family (thought) she had been assaulted and felt a person by the name of Brandon Ewers had assaulted her.
“Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Cole, along with at least one other individual, allegedly went and found Mr. Ewers at a residence on Oxford Avenue. They injured him rather severely,” Bishop said.
Bishop said injuries were severe enough to include a brain bleed. Ewers was pronounced dead at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital on Feb. 6 from blunt head force trauma.
Bishop said there were no weapons used.
Among other indictments:
Tracey Brooks, 32, was indicted for felonious assault and two counts of assault for an incident on Jan. 8 involving a corrections officer at the Richland County Jail, Bishop said.
“It’s alleged while an inmate in the county jail, (she) took a corrections officer (Alexandria Strong) to the ground, choked her and banged her head against the floor. It caused her to suffer a split lip and other injuries.”
A video of the incident shows an argument before Strong attempted to restrain Brooks. Shortly after, Brooks throws a punch. The two are out of frame for a moment. When they are seen next on the video, Brooks is on top of the corrections officer.
Bishop added Strong checked herself into OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion.
Brian Tobin, 41, was indicted for felonious assault, abduction and domestic violence for an alleged assault on a 67-year-old woman on Dec. 20.
“It’s alleged he assaulted a family or household member,” Bishop said. “It’s also alleged when the victim attempted to leave the residence on Grand Ridge Avenue, he blocked her way and wouldn’t let her out of the residence.”
Bishop said the victim was able to make it to her car and fled to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post.
