News reports indicate that Christopher Aikens pled guilty last month to 2nd degree murder charges in connection with the death of officer Rhonda Russell. Officer Russell was killed after being shot during a hostage situation at the Blair Central court building in 2021. Aikens and several other inmates were at the court building, when he asked to go to the restroom. He grabbed officer Russell’s gun and held her hostage. City police Sgt George Bistline fired his weapon, and hit Russell while she was being held by Aikens. He was given life in prison yesterday, along with an additional 60-120 years by Judge Elizabeth Doyle.
