Cousin: Springfield ax murderer didn’t kill family, is a ‘good guy’

Jerry Rogan will get out of prison on April 1 despite prosecutors objections after 30 years following his conviction on two counts of murder.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A family member of the Springfield man who spent 30 years in prison for the slayings of his brother and father said she doesn’t believe he committed the crimes and thinks he’ll be successful when he’s released.

Belinda Rogan of Bellefontaine is a cousin to Jerry Rogan, who was convicted of killing his father and brother with an ax in 1987. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The state parole board approved his release for April 1.

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“I don’t believe he did it,” she said. “…I’m praying when he gets out that people give him some respect.”

Prosecutors said they have no doubts that Jerry Rogan committed the murders.

The Clark County Prosecutor’s Office opposed Jerry Rogan’s release when the parole board made their decision in July, citing the severity of the crime and that there were no previously reported problems with the family.

“Nobody would’ve predicted this the first time … You can’t say that it’s not going to happen or he’s not going to do something again,” Clark County Prosecutor Andy Wilson said.

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Belinda Rogan believes Jerry Rogan was pressured into confessing to the crimes.

“Jerry is a good guy … I don’t think he should’ve been there,” she said about his time in prison.

She hopes people will give him a chance once he’s released and said he plans to look for a job.

“He’s going to keep his head up,” Belinda Rogan said.

Jerry Rogan will be on parole supervision for five years after his release.

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Parole board members don’t have to explain their reasoning for the decision, Wilson said, but consider an inmate’s record while in prison, time served and facts of the case.

Belinda Rogan said Jerry Rogan had no problems while in prison and worked multiple jobs.

The parole board didn’t return calls from the Springfield News-Sun.

The prosecutor’s office did everything it could to oppose Jerry Rogan’s parole, Wilson said.

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