Michael Thilat to serve at least 14 years in prison after guilty plea in 2022 murder case

Posted on 2/21/2024

Defendant: Michael Thilat

Michael Thilat, 31, of Columbus, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to a charge of involuntary manslaughter with a three-year firearm specification in the 2022 death of Anthony Luney.

Franklin County prosecutors Kevin Bertelsen and John Gripshover prosecuted the case, and Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Carl Aveni immediately sentenced Thilat to the maximum definite term of at least 14 years.
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On May 14, 2022, Thilat shot Luney after an altercation at a convenience store on Maize Road. Luney drove away from the scene, but was later found dead from the gunshot wound in his car on Interstate 71.