Ron Welch
Muskingum County Prosecutor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Sterling Mullins Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Brutal Assault on Partner
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch announced today that Sterling Mullins, 42, of Zanesville, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a violent assault and strangulation that left his longtime partner with catastrophic injuries.
On July 15, 2025, officers were dispatched to a Bonifield Court residence after a neighbor reported a woman covered in blood pounding on their door screaming that Mullins was trying to kill her. Responding officers found the victim suffering from severe head and facial lacerations, broken bones, and signs of strangulation. Her son, age 13, was present during parts of the assault and witnessed the violence.
The investigation revealed that Mullins repeatedly beat and strangled his victim, slammed her head against counters and walls, and struck her with a lamp while threatening to kill her and their son. The assault left blood throughout the home and caused permanent injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.
Detectives later interviewed Mullins, who admitted to hitting his victim multiple times and placing his hands around her neck but attempted to minimize his actions by claiming he was “trying to calm her down.”
Prosecutor Welch stated:
“This was a brutal attack on a woman inside her own home, witnessed by her child. The victim survived, but she will carry the scars of that night for the rest of her life. The 25-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the harm done and ensures that Sterling Mullins will be unable to harm another woman for a long, long time. Our community is a safer and better place because the victim and her child were brave enough to stand up to this coward.”
In addition to the 25-year prison sentence, once released, Mullins is required to register as violent offender with the sheriff’s office annually for ten (10) years.
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