Ohio man admits to killing Edmond woman

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

An Ohio man pled guilty Monday to the 2007 murder of an Edmond woman.

Michael Gary, 37, was sentences to life without parole after admitting to killing Shirley Shell last June in her Edmond home.

Prosecutors said Gary broke into Shell's home around 2:30 a.m. after picking it at random.

"He needed money to get back to Ohio so he burglarized this house and turned this burglary into a very brutal murder," said Scott Rowland, assistant district attorney. "As to why he killed her, we're still not exactly sure, and I don't think the defendant knows for sure."

He initially denied any involvement. But, after unsuccessfully trying to commit suicide in jail, Gary admitted to slashing Shell's throat.

"When that suicide attempt failed that he took that as a sign that he should take responsibility and confess," Rowland said.

In his court appearance Monday, Gary repeatedly apologized to Shell's family. Shell's son, Brian Shell, said the family accepted Gary's apology and has forgiven him.

"We're thankful that he is remorseful and is very knowledgeable of what his act has caused," Brian Shell said. "No sinner or individual has gone too far to receive the forgiveness Jesus died to offer him. True freedom and peace can only be found when we seek forgiveness through him. We offer our forgiveness to Mr. Gary and pray he will seek that forgiveness in him."