Key Takeaways:
- Joseph Gerich, 23, of Mentor, pleaded guilty Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter, a third-degree felony, in the death of Robert Russell, 21.
- Russell was stabbed in an alley off the 1700 block of North High Street in the University District on Nov. 2, 2025.
- Gerich was originally indicted on murder and involuntary manslaughter charges. He pleaded guilty to the lesser offense.
- NBC4 Columbus reported Gerich faces one to three years in prison. 10TV reported sentencing is set for Nov. 19, while NBC4 said no date had been set.
- No public safety action is required of residents. The case is still pending sentencing.
Quick Facts:
What: A man pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in a fatal stabbing near Ohio State University.
Where: Alley near the 1700 block of North High Street, between East 13th and East 14th avenues, University District
When: Stabbing on Nov. 2, 2025, about 1:48 a.m.; guilty plea Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Who: Joseph Gerich, 23, of Mentor; Robert Russell, 21; Columbus police; Franklin County Common Pleas Court
Status: Ongoing (sentencing pending)
Source: NBC4 Columbus
What Happened
Columbus police officers responded to the 1700 block of North High Street at about 1:48 a.m. on Nov. 2, 2025, after a report of a stabbing. They found Robert Russell, 21, with multiple stab wounds.
Medics took Russell to a hospital. He died at 2:17 a.m., NBC4 reported.
Police said Russell was involved in an argument that escalated into a fight before the stabbing. Charging documents said witnesses told detectives that Gerich stabbed Russell several times with a knife, according to WSYX.
Gerich, then 22, surrendered to Columbus police with an attorney. A grand jury later indicted him on murder and involuntary manslaughter charges.
He first pleaded not guilty. On Tuesday, he changed his plea to guilty on involuntary manslaughter, according to Franklin County Common Pleas Court records cited by 10TV.
What Officials Said
Court records show Gerich pleaded guilty to a stipulated lesser offense. He had originally been indicted on two counts of murder, according to 10TV.
Police said earlier that more than one person was involved in the argument that preceded the stabbing. 10TV reported that police did not release further details about other possible suspects in later updates.
NBC4 reported Gerich faces one to three years in prison. 10TV reported he is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 19.
What This Means for Columbus Residents
The plea resolves the question of guilt in the case, but Gerich has not yet been sentenced. A Franklin County judge will decide the penalty.
No roads are closed and no suspect in Russell’s death has been described as a continuing danger to the public. Police have not said whether anyone else faces charges.
The stabbing happened in a busy nightlife and student area near the Ohio State campus. Residents and visitors who have information about the case can contact Columbus police.
Background
Charging documents said the stabbing happened near a closed bar called Uno on North High Street, according to WSYX. Officers found Russell in the alley between East 13th and East 14th avenues, just east of North Pearl Street.
An officer working special duty discovered Russell, according to WSYX.
What To Do
Anyone with information about the case can contact Columbus police through the Columbus Division of Police non-emergency line at 614-645-4545. Call 911 in an emergency.
Columbus Frontline will update as more information becomes available, including the outcome of Gerich’s sentencing hearing.