JUSTICE SERVED: Second accomplice in murder of gun store owner gets 27 years

The January 11, 2005 Columbus Dispatch reported that a second accomplice in the robbery and murder of gun store owner and OFCC supporter Zane Wilson has been given the maximum sentence allowable for his crime.

The story says that upon learning that Clifford Morefield told a probation officer that he "didn’t deserve the time," the judge "saw red". Common Pleas Judge Beverly Y. Pfeiffer, dismayed by what she had read in a the probation officer’s statement, sentenced Morefield to prison for 27 years to life for participating in a robbery and murder at a Clintonville gun store in February, the newspaper reported.

Morefield, 19, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of murder and aggravated robbery on Nov. 17 to avoid the death penalty. He and three others were charged in the shooting death of Zane Wilson, the 78-year-old owner of Zane's Gun Rack at 4167 N. High St.

Wilson, a World War II veteran who saw combat in the South Pacific, was bound with duct tape and robbed, then shot while his store was looted of weapons, authorities have said. Before he died, Wilson freed himself and fired his gun, striking Morefield in the shoulder.

Zane's son, Roc, and his wife, Judy Wilson, have been to every sentencing.

...[Judge] Pfeiffer told the court she saw no remorse from Morefield for being involved in a crime that led to someone’s death. "I don’t think Mr. Morefield has learned his lesson," she is quoted as saying.

Robert A. Oliver, 18, already is serving 18 years in prison in connection with the robbery and slaying. Authorities said he drove the getaway car.

Jamel Curtis, 22, is expected to stand trial in February on aggravated murder charges in Wilson’s death. And Jason Hayes, 22, is awaiting a trial date on charges of murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.

Commentary:
Mr. Wilson's March 2004 obituary asked that donations in his memory be made to Ohioans For Concealed Carry. At his funeral, Zane's family handed out pre-addressed envelopes for donations to be made directly to OFCC. His love of the Second Amendment and of his country was respected by those who loved him, and they gave generously.

May Zane Wilson's memory live in the free exercise of the rights he took up arms to protect no less than TWO times in his life.

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