Appeals Court Upholds 15-to-Life Sentence for Chadwick Greenawalt in Marion Murder Case

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan on Friday announced that the Ohio Third District Court of Appeals has affirmed Chadwick Allen Greenawalt Sr.’s convictions and sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

The 2022 incident that led to the tragic death of Natalie Rudd began when Greenawalt, a guest at the River Bend Campground, disrupted a holiday celebration by popping a decorative balloon arch at the Rudd family campsite.

The situation escalated when Greenawalt violently assaulted Natalie with a knife after being asked to leave the premises. Despite intervention efforts, Natalie suffered fatal injuries and later died at Marion General Hospital.

The trial in this case lasted six days and the jury returned guilty verdicts for charges of Murder, Manslaughter, and Felonious Assault.

“The Third District’s decision reaffirms what justice demands – that truth prevails in the courtroom. The jury’s verdict stood firm because the evidence was clear, the law was followed, and the rights of every party, including the victims, were honored,” said Grogan. “This result is due to the hard work of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Allison Kesler who consistently demonstrates her dedication to the people of Marion County. She handled this case both at trial with me, and on appeal. I want to thank the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Marion,OH for their incredible work on this case. This was truly a team effort.”