Ohio does not have a first-degree murder charge, but individuals can be charged with murder or manslaughter. Brian Swanson, 48, was indicted on murder charges for the 2000 death of Ohio State student Charles “Chico” Ballard. His body was found shot multiple times and partially burned in a basement. Swanson, a gas station clerk who had confrontations with Ballard, was suspected after trying to use Ballard’s debit card. He was indicted on charges of aggravated murder and murder, and a warrant was filed for his arrest. The case was featured on the Columbus Division of Police’s podcast in 2024. Detectives believed Ballard was lured into the basement by cutting off electricity and starting a fire, which partially burned his body after he was shot. Friends became worried when Ballard went missing after missing work and class. The detective investigating the case mentioned confrontations between Ballard and a gas station clerk, believed to be Swanson, who tried using Ballard’s debit card shortly after his disappearance. Despite Swanson’s explanation of finding the card, detectives suspected foul play. Columbus police featured Ballard’s case on their podcast, shedding light on the 2000 murder.
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