A Franklin County grand jury has indicted 36-year-old Juanito Ackerman on multiple homicide charges in connection with a deadly April 25 stabbing in east Columbus that left 32-year-old Erica Frank dead. A judge set his bond at $3 million, and court orders bar him from contacting Frank's next of kin while also requiring mental-health and drug assessments. Police say the violence unfolded near the intersection of Kelton Avenue and Bryden Road.
Court Filings Detail Charges, Bond And Restrictions
According to 10TV, Franklin County Municipal Court records show Ackerman was indicted on one count of aggravated murder, one count of murder, and one count of felonious assault. The same records note that his bond was set at $3 million. Court documents also say he must not contact the victim's next of kin, is prohibited from possessing a firearm, and must complete a mental-health and drug assessment.
Police Say Argument Between Pair Turned Deadly
Investigators told reporters the case appears to have grown out of the pair's relationship, and that Ackerman admitted to stabbing Frank after she alleged he raped her, according to reporting by WCMH. Officers found Frank suffering from multiple stab wounds, and authorities say she was pronounced dead at 1:41 p.m. on April 25.
Defense Points To History As Court Records Surface
An attorney told 10TV that Ackerman's record includes three misdemeanors, two felonies, and prior violations of court orders, and that he was on probation from an earlier incident involving the same prosecuting witness. Court files reviewed in that reporting show Ackerman was indicted in 2012 on attempted murder and felonious assault, and that he later pleaded guilty to felonious assault in that case.
Case Heads Deeper Into Felony System
With the grand-jury indictment now in hand, the case moves into the county's felony system while investigators and prosecutors prepare for the next round of hearings and filings. For general information on municipal-court schedules and how indictments are processed, the Franklin County Municipal Court offers public resources online.
Investigators have asked anyone with information about the April 25 attack to contact Columbus police. Authorities say witnesses at the scene identified Ackerman. This story will be updated as new court filings and hearing dates are released.
