An Ohio resident, Chance Donohoe, 27, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 31 years. This follows his admission to breaking into his former girlfriend’s home and stabbing her 30 times, including slitting her throat to hasten her death. Donohoe pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and gross abuse of a corpse in the death of Shannon Hiott, 29, last month.
The victim’s mother, Jamie Hiott, expressed her anger and grief in court. She highlighted the physical disparity between Donohoe and her daughter, emphasizing the fear her daughter must have felt during the attack. She also condemned Donohoe for his actions, labeling him a “monster.”
Donohoe’s defense attorney sought leniency, citing that his client was under the influence of marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol at the time of the murder. In a letter attached to the sentencing memo, Donohoe’s mother, Ashley Radca, detailed her son’s troubled upbringing, including being raised by a single mother and undergoing counseling since the age of five.
Radca expressed her disbelief and sorrow over her son’s actions, stating that the brutal murder was completely out of character for him. She acknowledged the gravity of his actions and agreed that he must face the consequences.
The murder occurred on August 29, when Donohoe forced his way into Hiott’s Columbus residence and stabbed her 30 times. Following the attack, Donohoe fled to his mother’s home in Powell, approximately 20 miles north of Columbus. He subsequently called 911, confessed to the crime, and surrendered to the police.
Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor Dan Lenert emphasized the brutality of the crime, stating that Donohoe’s actions were driven by anger, not drug-induced impairment. He pointed out that Donohoe was upset about their breakup and social media posts about him.
Lana Hiott, the victim’s sister, revealed that Donohoe had previously stolen money and prescription medication from her. She had asked him to move out a week before the murder. Days before her death, Shannon Hiott had posted on Facebook about her relief and happiness after ending the relationship.