Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Drug house shooting leads to prison for two
The Muskingum County Prosecutor’s Office is pleased to announce that Christopher Stevens and Oscar Thomsen have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a violent shooting that occurred on February 6, 2024, at 223 Adams Street, Zanesville, Ohio. Both individuals were convicted of felonious assault with firearm specifications following an extensive investigation led by Zanesville Police Detective Jason Keck.
Stevens will serve nine to thirteen years in prison, and Thomsen will serve eleven to fifteen years. In both cases the time is mandatory, so the defendants will serve every day of their sentences.
The incident began in the early hours of February 6, 2024, when officers responded to a weapons call reporting a male shot at the residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered Benjamin Hanning suffering from a gunshot wound to his left leg. Witnesses were present at the scene and provided critical statements that helped identify the perpetrators. The investigation revealed that Thomsen, along with Stevens and an associate, Courtney “Peaches” McDonald, entered the home armed and assaulted Hanning, a local drug dealer, in a dispute over narcotics. Thomsen struck Hanning with a pistol and shot him, while Stevens played a key role in facilitating the crime.
Through diligent police work, including witness interviews, evidence collection, and analysis of phone records and GPS data, Detective Keck of the Zanesville Police Department built a strong case against the suspects. Key evidence included a spent shell casing, a slug recovered near the victim, and messages between Stevens and Thomsen discussing the victim prior to the shooting. The investigation also uncovered the involvement of a silver 2011 Dodge van linked to Thomsen, which was later impounded.
Thomsen was arrested following a police chase, and Stevens was apprehended after initially denying involvement. Courtney “Peaches” McDonald, who also faced charges related to the incident, was taken into custody after a search of a residence on North Pembroke Avenue. Both Stevens and Thomsen have extensive criminal histories, including convictions for violent and weapons-related offenses.
On February 19, 2025, Judge Kelly Cottrill sentenced Christopher Stevens, having previously sentenced Oscar Thomsen. Both are serving prison terms for felonious assault with firearm specifications. The sentences reflect the severity of their actions and the harm inflicted on the victim and the community.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of Zanesville residents and holding those who commit violent crimes accountable,” said Prosecuting Attorney Ron Welch. “This outcome is another example of the hard work of our officers and staff, and reflects that justice will be sought for violence, even in circumstances where a victim might be acting outside the law.”
The Prosecutor’s Office thanks the Zanesville Police Department, Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Zanesville Police Department for their assistance in bringing this case to a successful resolution.
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