Ottumwa man gets 15 years for deadly assault

Trenton Blake Orwig, a 31-year-old man from Ottumwa, pleaded guilty to charges related to the death of his half-brother, Nicholas Johnson, in Lucas County. This plea came just before a scheduled jury trial for second-degree murder. Orwig accepted a plea deal, admitting guilt to voluntary manslaughter and willful injury, which led to the cancellation of the trial.

During a court appearance, Orwig requested immediate sentencing after his plea was accepted by Judge Dustria Relph. He was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison, comprising 10 years for voluntary manslaughter and 5 years for willful injury, with both sentences to run consecutively. Additionally, Orwig was ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to Johnson's family.

The incident occurred in July 2023 when Orwig choked Johnson unconscious during a confrontation at their home in Russell. After the attack, Johnson fell onto a concrete patio, resulting in a severe head injury. Prior to the fatal event, both brothers had an altercation at the Hurribak Club in Chariton where Orwig also choked Johnson, prompting security to escort him from the establishment.

Following the assault, Johnson was hospitalized and placed on life support but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on August 7, 2023. The incident went unreported to law enforcement until a month later, as indicated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

This tragic case underscores the serious consequences of violence and the immediate impact it can have on families and communities.