Bruce Foster III, the man who shot and killed two people in February 2025 at a warehouse in New Albany, was found not guilty by reason of insanity by a Licking County judge Wednesday.
Licking County Court of Common Pleas Judge David Branstool made the decision after Foster, 30, opted for a bench trial, instead of a jury. Foster's lawyers argued Foster was mentally ill when he shot and killed the victims Shekhar Chapagai and Kyle Vaver, but never contested that Foster did so.
Foster was found competent to stand trial. Defense attorneys were tasked with proving Foster was had a mental illness or disease or defect, and that he was unable to understand his actions were wrong.
The two men were Foster's coworkers at KDC/ONE in New Albany. Four others were injured during the shooting.
Several charges were considered, including aggravated murder and murder, attempted murder and felonious assault.
The trial lasted five days, ending in late August. Since then, Branstool was tasked with going through the evidence and arguments to make his decision.
Foster and KDC/ONE also face a civil lawsuit over the shooting and if it could have been prevented.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
