By Associated Press - Monday, December 10, 2018

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) - A man accused of fatally shooting two women before shooting himself after a police standoff has pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and murder charges.

Forty-five-year-old James Geran (GEHR’-uhn), of Middletown, entered the pleas Monday in Butler County. He pleaded guilty in the June slayings of 27-year-old Maegan Motter and 63-year-old Sharon McCleary.

Authorities have described Motter as Geran’s business associate in a “criminal activity.” They say Geran killed Motter and dumped her body in Madison Township before killing McCleary hours later during a standoff with deputies. Authorities say McCleary and her daughter, Gina McCleary, were hostages during the standoff. Gina McCleary is Geran’s girlfriend.

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Authorities haven’t specified motives for the slayings.

Messages seeking comment were left Monday for Geran’s attorney and prosecutors.

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