Man Charged With Reckless Homicide, Drug Possession in Mifflin Death Investigation; $500,000 Bond Set
ASHLAND COUNTY, Ohio — A Mansfield man charged in connection with the February death of a Mifflin resident appeared in Ashland County Common Pleas Court on Monday, where Magistrate Emily Bates set a $500,000 bond, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Joseph Frederick Doering, 39, of Mansfield, is charged with Reckless Homicide, a third-degree felony, and Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a fifth-degree felony, stemming from an incident on February 19, 2026, that resulted in the death of Brandon Nathaniel Sheaffer, 26, of Mifflin.
Incident Details
According to a press release from Christopher R. Tunnell, emergency crews from the Mifflin Township Fire Department, Mifflin Village Police Department, and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at approximately 5:04 p.m. on February 19 to a residence at 39 Maine Street in Mifflin for a report of an unresponsive person.
First responders found Sheaffer lying unconscious and unresponsive inside the residence. Life-saving measures were initiated, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Ashland County Coroner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Prosecutors allege that Doering recklessly caused Sheaffer’s death during an incident in which the two were allegedly engaged in methamphetamine use and other high-risk behavior. Investigators reported locating methamphetamine and additional evidence inside the residence.
Emotional Court Appearance
Doering appeared by video for a bond hearing on February 23, 2026. Court records indicate he was not initially represented by counsel. After an indigency hearing, Magistrate Emily Bates appointed Attorney Benjamin Zushin to represent him.
During the hearing, Magistrate Bates read the charges to Doering and advised him of his constitutional rights. As she asked whether he understood the proceedings, Doering gave an emotional response, visibly affected as he acknowledged his understanding of the charges and his rights under the law.
Prosecutor Requests High Bond
Speaking on behalf of the State of Ohio during the bond hearing, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf requested a high cash bond, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
“This is a homicide case,” Metcalf told the court, requesting a $500,000 cash bond, no contact with the victim’s family, and electronic monitoring should Doering be released.
Metcalf stated that the incident occurred on February 19, 2026, and alleged that Doering was engaged in methamphetamine use and other risky behavior with the victim.
“Ultimately, we believe the defendant’s behavior contributed to and/or caused the death of the victim in this matter,” Metcalf said, noting that methamphetamine was also found inside the residence.
Metcalf further informed the court that Doering has a prior conviction for methamphetamine possession and previously served a prison sentence related to that offense.
Bond Conditions and Next Steps
Magistrate Bates set bond at $500,000, to be posted as cash, surety, or approved property bond.
An initial appearance hearing has been scheduled for February 24, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., to be conducted by video.
Ongoing Investigation
The case is pending in Ashland County Common Pleas Court under Case No. 26-CRI-039, with the Honorable David Stimpert presiding.
The Ashland County Grand Jury is expected to review the case for possible additional charges at a later date.
Authorities emphasized that the filing of criminal charges is merely an accusation and that Doering is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at (419) 289-8362.
