Those charges could result in fines of up to $20,000, and up to six years in prison, followed by up to five years of parole.
As part of the agreement, Cotton agreed to forfeit a SIG Sauer handgun, while the prosecution agreed that it wouldn’t pursue further charges against Cotton.
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
Credit: Montgomery County Jail
One count of tampering evidence was dismissed.
Cotton is scheduled to be sentenced March 3. He was previously released on bond, court records said.
The shooting was reported at about 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 22 at an apartment at 5530 Autumn Woods Drive, west of Salem Avenue, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center records.
Trotwood police said that Hardy and Cotton both lived in the apartment, and were involved in a domestic dispute.
Hardy was pronounced dead at the scene, and Cotton was arrested.
Hardy was a graduate of Liberty High School and wanted to be a registered nurse, like her mother. She is survived by her parents and 13 siblings, according to her obituary.
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