GALLIPOLIS — Two criminal cases filed in connection with the Jan. 13 homicide of Gallipolis resident Ralph N. Sands have been resolved.

Douglas R. Blake, 27, 117 Fourth Ave., Gallipolis, appeared before Gallia County Common Pleas Judge D. Dean Evans on Tuesday and was sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison for reckless homicide in causing Sands’ death, and aggravated burglary for knowingly, by force, trespassing at Sands’ residence when Sands was present, with physical harm resulting to Sands. The sentence is not subject to reduction, and Blake will be on parole for 5 years after serving the 15-year prison sentence.

Blake previously appeared before Evans on Aug. 13 and entered a guilty plea to the charges. Under the terms of the plea agreement reached between Blake and the state, Blake agreed to voluntarily testify against his co-defendant, Joshua D. Saunders, Jr., at his trial, which was to begin on Aug. 26. The record of Blake’s plea was sealed at that time to protect the integrity of the case against Saunders. Judge Evans has since unsealed the record.

Meanwhile, Saunders, 25, 381 Buck Ridge Road, Apartment 87, Bidwell, appeared before Evans on Aug. 26, withdrew his not guilty plea, and entered a guilty plea to murder for causing Sands’ death during the commission of an aggravated burglary. He was later sentenced to an indefinite term of 15 years to life in prison.

The Sands family was present in court for both proceedings, Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Adkins said.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Eric Mulford said that the evidence in the case suggested that Blake and Saunders went to Sands’ residence on the evening of Jan. 13 and that Blake forced entry into the home. Both men entered the home, where Saunders tied Sands’ hands and feet and placed him face down on the couch, after which Blake and Saunders stole prescription medication, firearms, two safes and a knife from the home.

Sands died of asphyxiation because he was unable to breathe normally due to the placement of his nose and mouth against the arm rest of the couch while he was in a compromised position and unable to move.

Adkins expressed his appreciation to Mulford, Det. Sgt. Jeff Boyer and the staff of the Gallipolis Police Department, and Gallia County Coroner Dr. Daniel H. Whiteley for their work to bring the cases against Blake and Saunders to a successful conclusion.

Adkins also thanked Sands’ son, Justin Sands, for his cooperation in the investigation and court proceedings.

“This concludes the criminal prosecution of the individuals responsible for Mr. Sands’ death, and the state is pleased that one of the defendants received a life sentence and that the other will serve 15 years in prison,” Mulford said. “We appreciate the work of the Gallipolis Police Department to solve this crime, and the strength and the cooperation of the Sands family as we worked to achieve justice for Ralph Sands.”