Gallia – Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney, Jason D. Holdren, announces that Joyceann Louise Ruane, age 25, of Crown City, Ohio, and formerly of Ashtabula County, Ohio, was sentenced today in the Gallia County Common Pleas Court.
“It is unconscionable that a parent, who has a duty to care, nurture, and protect their children, would take the life of a helpless and innocent child. As community servants, there is nothing we can do to restore the life of this child. However, as your prosecutor, I am grateful that Ruane was convicted of her crimes and will serve the rest of her life behind bars,” stated Prosecutor Holdren.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Gallia County Children’s Services, Gallia County Emergency Medical Service, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Gallia County Sheriff’s Office for their exemplary performance and care in this case. I would like to specifically mention the following officers with the Gallia County Sheriff’s Office who went above and beyond to render care and comfort to this victim: Deputy Dakota Wroten, Deputy Jordan Shaffer, and Detective Brady Curry.”
On December 17, 2020, Ruane pled guilty to Aggravated Murder, with a firearm specification, a Special Category Felony; and Having Weapons while under Disability, a Felony of the Third Degree.In 2017, Ruane was convicted of Attempted Felonious Assault, a Felony of the Third Degree, in the Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court, thereby making it a criminal offense to use or possess a firearm.
Judge Margaret Evans sentenced Ruane to a prison term of Life in Prison, Without the possibility of Parole for the murder of her 16-month-old child.
