DELAWARE, Ohio — A Columbus man could spend the rest of his life in prison for shooting and killing a man in Alum Creek State Park.
TImothy Baldrick, 44, appeared in a Delaware County courtroom Tuesday for a sentencing hearing. Judge James Schuck ordered a sentence of life in prison with a possibility of parole in 36 years.
The sentence includes a mandatory minimum of 30 years for aggravated murder as well as six years added because of gun specifications.
On June 28, 2021, prosecutors say the body of 37-year-old Timothy “Scottie” Marcum was found floating in a plastic tote on Alum Creek. The body was found by a kayaker. Investigators eventually recovered a video showing Baldrick shooting Marcum.
“Scottie Marcum was killed in cold-blood. We are thankful the jury found Baldrick guilty for exactly what he did and returned verdicts of guilty on all charges.” Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel said. “We are honored to fight for justice for Mr. Marcum. He was a son and a father, and his life mattered.”
In a three and a half day trial, Baldrick was found guilty of aggravated murder with a firearm specification and murder with a firearm specification-both unclassified felonies; two counts of tampering with evidence, both felonies of the third degree; and, abuse of a corpse-a felony of the fifth degree.
In arguing for the possibility of parole, defense attorney Paul Scarsella argued that mental health and a hope for redemption should be considered.
Prosecutors advocated for a sentence of life in prison without parole. Chief Prosecutor Mark Sleeper told the Court that the execution style murder, and the way that Mr. Marcum’s deceased body was handled after the murder, demonstrated a cold and callous killing and a complete lack of remorse by Baldrick, which was worthy of a sentence of life in prison without parole eligibility.
“I’d like to applaud the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough and tenacious investigation. But for their expert work as law enforcement officers, Baldrick may not have been brought to justice.” Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel said. “Our team of prosecutors Mark Sleeper and Payton Thompson should also be commended for fighting for the maximum penalty for Mr. Marcum’s murderer.”