MOUNT GILEAD — Cory Kelly pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated murder and tampering with evidence on Friday in Morrow County Common Pleas Court.
The 23-year-old Galion man was charged with killing Joseph C. Rosella, 48, on July 4. Rosella died as a result of brain and skull injuries sustained from blunt force.
Kelly was dating Rosella’s 18-year-old daughter and prosecutors believe Kelly was hired to kill Rosella. No indication has been made as to who or why officials believe hired Kelly. The murder for hire aspect adds a death penalty specification.
After what officials labeled a “suicidal gesture,” Judge Robert Hickson ordered a psychological evaluation of Kelly who remains on suicide watch in the Morrow County Jail. He was denied bail.
Devon Strader, 18, Crestline, is awaiting extradition to Morrow County from Findlay where he turned himself in. He is being charged with complicity to aggravated murder in Rosella’s death. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.


