Man Accused of Killing Mother of 3 Takes Plea Deal; Family Says They Feel ‘Betrayed’

Courtesy of WHIO Dayton:

GREENVILLE — A surprise plea deal in a murder case is leaving the victim’s family feeling shocked and betrayed.

Zachery Gilbert, 25, was scheduled to go on trial Friday for the murder of Brianne Otley. However, when Otley’s family arrived at the courthouse, they learned Gilbert would not be going to trial.

Instead, Gilbert pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

“Your honor, I’m 200% against this plea deal,” Michelle Otley told the judge during the court hearing.

According to Brianne Otley’s sister, Latasha Otley, Gilbert — Brianne’s ex-boyfriend — shot her inside her own home last September. Family members said Brianne had ended the relationship but allowed Gilbert and his mother to stay at the residence temporarily.

Police said the shooting followed an argument. As part of the plea deal, Gilbert will no longer face a murder charge.

“He shot her in her kid’s bedroom with her gun and left her lay there to bleed, kissed her on the cheek and ran out the door,” Michelle Otley said.

The Otley family also claims Gilbert and his mother delayed calling 911 for approximately 45 minutes after the shooting.

“Very betrayed, very betrayed … you dropped the ball on my daughter, you gave up on my daughter,” Michelle Otley said in court.

Despite their objections to the plea deal, the family says they plan to return to the courtroom next month, where they will ask the judge to impose the maximum possible sentence on Gilbert.