New Franklin man sentenced to life in prison for shooting, killing motorcyclist

A 41-year-old New Franklin man will serve life in prison for the shooting death of 53-year-old Jeffrey Fisher, according to a news release from the Summit County Prosecutor's Office.

Eric Mendoza pleaded guilty to murder with an associated gun specification.

In exchange for his guilty plea, Summit County prosecutors dismissed a second count of murder, one count of felonious assault, improperly discharging a firearm into a habitation or school safety zone and gun specifications.

Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Joy Malek Oldfield sentenced him to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 18 years.

“Jeffrey Fisher was leaving the scene when Eric Mendoza shot him in the back. I hope that this lengthy prison sentence will provide some comfort to Jeffrey’s family as the person responsible will spend a significant amount of time behind bars,” said Elliot Kolkovich, Summit County Prosecutor.

Deadly shooting occurred after a verbal dispute

The fatal shooting occurred in September 2022 immediately following a verbal argument between Mendoza and Fisher at Mendoza's home on Dailey Road in New Franklin.

Mendoza opened fire as Fisher rode away on a motorcycle, striking him.

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New Franklin man sentenced to life in prison for shooting, killing motorcyclist