Convicted Murderer Gary Betz Denied Parole for the Fourth Time

WARREN — Gary Betz, a convicted murderer, was recently denied parole after his fourth attempt to seek relief from his 22-years-to-life prison sentence. The Ohio Adult Parole Authority extended the next parole hearing for Betz to November 2025, as reported in a prosecutor’s office newsletter.

Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins has a personal investment in the case, as he was the prosecutor in the capital murder trial in 1977. Watkins stated, “Any day that a convicted repeat violent offender like Betz can be kept off the streets is a good day for Trumbull County.”

Watkins has consistently opposed Betz’s release and has written ten letters to the parole board expressing his opposition. Betz, now 69 years old, was convicted by a Trumbull County jury and given a life sentence for the shotgun shooting death of Lake Milton tavern owner Ron Goche in 1976.

During the 1977 three-judge panel hearing, a witness identified Betz as the person who shot Goche at point-blank range with a sawed-off shotgun. Prior to the shooting, Goche had told Betz to take $138 worth of bar receipts, promising no harm in return, as stated in the release.

According to the prosecutor, Betz’s final words to the victim were, “…don’t worry, we won’t get in trouble.” After spending 30 years in state prison, Betz was paroled in 2007 despite strong opposition from the victim’s family and the prosecutor’s office.

However, Betz’s chance at freedom was short-lived as he violated his parole by being charged with three DUIs in 2008, 2009, and 2011.

By denying Betz’s parole, the parole board aims to ensure public safety and keep a repeat violent offender off the streets. Betz’s history of violating his parole further solidified the decision.

The news of Betz’s denied parole has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the parole system and the importance of protecting communities from individuals with a history of violent crimes.

As the case progresses, the Trumbull County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to advocate for justice and public safety, ensuring that Betz remains behind bars for the duration of his sentence.