Sheriff deputy indicted in Sikon fatal shooting

By Carol McIntire

Editor

A Carroll County sheriff deputy was indicted last week for the Nov. 16, 2019, shooting death of Robert S. (Bobby) Sikon, III.

A grand jury indicted 29-year-old Sheriff Deputy Jacob Baker Aug. 12 on one count of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Sikon during a traffic stop on SR 171 in New Harrisburg. The charge is a first-degree felony.

According to section 2903.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, the definition of voluntary manslaughter reads: “No person, while under the influence of sudden passion or in a sudden fit of rage, either of which is brought on by serious provocation occasioned by the victim that is reasonably sufficient to incite the person into using deadly force, shall knowingly cause the death of another…”

Stark County Coroner Dr. Anthony Bertin ruled Sikon’s death was a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds to the trunk of his body, secondary to acute amphetamine intoxication. His report noted four bullets fired from Baker’s gun struck Sikon in the left, middle and upper back.

The Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification investigated the case, which was turned over to Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett in early May. Jason P. Reese, Esq., Canton city prosecutor, was appointed special prosecutor in the case.

Sheriff Dale Williams said Baker was removed from administrative leave, which he was on since the shooting occurred.

“He will not be working until his hearing is over,” Williams told The Messenger.

Baker had been a deputy with the Carroll County Sheriff’s office for nearly a year and a half prior to the shooting.

Williams was presented a summons to serve on Baker, who is expected to be arraigned this Thursday along with others who were indicted during the one-day session.