Life sentence ordered for deadly home invasion
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 25, 2023) – The man who broke into his neighbor’s apartment and inflicted the stab wounds that ended his life will spend 30 years to life in prison.
Assistant Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Fred Scott and Corey Harshey’s attorneys jointly recommended the punishment for the home invasion and attack a year ago this week that resulted in the death of 44-year-old Nathan Green.
“This sentence recommended by the State of Ohio, we believe, fairly acknowledges the need for this court to protect this community and the severe tragedy and needless death that occurred,” Scott said. “It also takes into account the fact that Mr. Harsey is mentally ill but that his mental illness was exacerbated apparently by his own drug use and alcohol use.”
Family members including Green’s father and sister packed into the courtroom to confront his killer.
“You left a sister to deal with things alone. You took his dad’s best friend,” said Green’s cousin Tabitha Spar. “You took someone that Mom made dinner for every Sunday. You took a simple man who would have given the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was one of the sweetest kindest souls that was ever put on this earth, and I can only hope and pray that you live with the thoughts of your actions every day.”
Harshey was facing the possibility of life without parole before pleading guilty to aggravated murder and three other charges with repeat violent offender specifications. His mother addressed Green’s loved ones, saying she thinks about him every day and prays both families will heal from the tragedy.
“I want you to know the mental health system has really let us down. We have fought for years to get help for my son, and it’s so broken. I’m sorry that you were a victim of that as well as we were.”
Green initially survived the attack and was life-flighted to an Akron hospital, where he later succumbed to complications from his injuries. Scott noted that Green was an organ donor who saved many lives in death.