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East Palestine man pleads guilty to planning the murder of his neighbors

LISBON — An East Palestine man who made plans to kill his neighbors pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

Ronald Barson, 54, Bacon Avenue, is facing an indefinite sentence of up to 16-1/2 years in prison. Assistant County Prosecutor Alec Beech said he will request a three-year prison sentence at the time of sentencing, which was scheduled on April 6.

Judge Megan Bickerton explained to Barson that if he is sentenced to three years, he could face an additional one and a half years because the first-degree felony carries the possibility of the new more open-ended sentencing.

Barson also could face a $20,000 fine.

According to court documents, Barson planned the killing of Joseph Altenburg and Rosey Faulkner around April 1, 2019. He went so far as to try to convince another person to commit the murder and pointed out the home where the couple lived so that person would know where to find him.

Barson also purchased a 12-gauge Savage shotgun for the person to use.

Prior to the conspiracy, Barson had been involved in some other conflicts with his neighbor, Altenburg. In February 2019, Barson was in county Municipal Court charged with assault and carrying a concealed weapon after he reportedly pulled in front of a trailer in the lot to confront Altenburg. A fight ensued and Barson pulled a golf club to use as a weapon. When they searched his vehicle, police also found a spiked club under the driver’s seat of Barson’s vehicle where it was within easy reach.

On another occasion, Barson had a wooden baseball bat he called Louis which he used to threaten Altenburg.

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