Ashland County Prosecutor Announces Charges in Mifflin Death Investigation
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO — Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher R. Tunnell announces that charges have been filed in the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas, with the Honorable Judge David Stimpert presiding, following a death investigation in Mifflin, Ohio.
On February 19, 2026, at approximately 5:04 p.m., emergency services from the Mifflin
Township Fire Department, Mifflin Village Police Department, and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 39 Maine Street, Mifflin, Ashland County, Ohio, in reference to an unresponsive person. First responders arrived on scene and located Brandon Nathaniel Sheaffer (DOB: March 5, 1999), of Mifflin, Ohio, lying unconscious and unresponsive inside the residence. Life-saving measures were initiated; however, Mr. Sheaffer did not survive.
The Ashland County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause and manner of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
As a result of the investigation to date, Joseph Frederick Doering (DOB: September 14, 1986), of Mansfield, Ohio, has been charged with Reckless Homicide, a felony of the third degree, and Possession of Methamphetamine, a felony of the fifth degree. The charges allege that Mr. Doering recklessly caused the death of Mr. Sheaffer during an incident in which the parties were allegedly engaged in methamphetamine use and other high-risk behavior. Detectives located methamphetamine and additional evidence inside the residence during the investigation.
Mr. Doering was taken into custody and remains incarcerated at the Ashland County Jail. A bond hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026 before the Ashland County Court of Common Pleas.
The Ashland County Grand Jury is expected to review the matter for consideration of any additional charges at a later date.
The Ashland County Prosecutor’s Office reminds the public that a charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
