On August 15, 1992 Mia Russell, 21, and her boyfriend Michael Eckels, 21, were at the Athens County Ohio Fair. At some point an argument ensued over Mia Russell's friendships with other men and the fact that she wanted to move out of the couple's apartment. After the fight Mia and Eckels split up and went their separate ways.

When Mia arrived home later that evening Eckels was already there. The fight continued in the house. Neighbors reported hearing a basketball bouncing against the wall. It was later learned that the sound was Eckels beating Mia's head against the wall. Mia broke away and said she was going to call police. After a brief silence, Mia ran out of the apartment and screamed "No, Mike!You're crazy!" Eckels grabbed a shotgun and followed Mia out of the house. When Mia reached the sidewalk Eckels shot her in the back. Eckels then approached Mia and stood over her with the shotgun. Mia put up her hands to protect herself. Eckels fired the shotgun and blew one of Mia's hands off. He then fired two more shots into Mia's chest. He then fired a fatal shot into Mia's head. After the shooting Eckels fled the scene. Eckels went to a gas station and called his father. Eckels father convinced him to turn himself into police.

After Eckels arrest he refused to take any responsibility for his actions. He blamed Mia for fighting with him. He claimed the gun went off accidentally which explained the gunshot in Mia's back. As for the remaining four shots he had no explanation. Eckels told the judge, "The next thing I knew, the gun had gone off, and I saw Mia falling. I don't remember anything about the other shots." Rather than go to trial and face a charge of aggravated murder Eckels chose to plead guilty to the lesser charge of murder. Michael Eckels was sentence from 15-years to Life in prison.

Mia and Eckels had only been living together for a few months. During that time Mia saw Eckels true colors. He was jealous and controlling. He also was abusive. Shortly before Mia's death her father learned of the abuse. Mr. Russell and Eckels had a talk and he told Eckels if he touched Mia again he would have to deal with her father. Eckels promised he would not touch Mia again. A few weeks later Mr. Russell had to bury his daughter. Mia's family has not heard from Eckels since the murder. No explanation, no apology.

The only thing Mia Russell was guilty of was wanting to get herself out of an abusive and controlling relationship. That decision ended up costing Mia her life.

Michael Eckels has never expressed any remorse for his crimes to Mia's family. In addition, he has still not taken full responsibility for his actions. We believe releasing Michael Eckels would present a serious risk to Mia's family and the community. Releasing Eckels after serving only 19 years of his LIFE sentence would not further the interests of justice and would deny justice to Mia Russell. Based on these facts and that Michael Eckels brutally murdered a defenseless woman in cold blood we believe Michael Eckels should be required to serve his maximum sentence of LIFE in prison for his brutal and senseless crime.