James Howard-George

A bench warrant has been issued for a Butler man who failed to show up for his sentencing Friday morning in connection with the burning and concealing of a woman's body.

James Howard-George, 26, pleaded guilty last month to helping Ishemer Ramsey hide and burn Melissa Barto's body, but he didn't show up in court Friday to be sentenced for the crime.

“He should have been here, or he should have notified us,” Judge Tim McCune said as he issued a bench warrant for the man's arrest.

Howard-George previously pleaded guilty to charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. His plea deal called for a jail sentence of 18 months.

He was arrested in June 2017, shortly after Barto's remains were found by a farmer in a field in Lawrence County.

Howard-George was released from jail last month.

Since he already has served well over the recommended sentence, it's likely he would have been automatically paroled.

McCune noted Howard-George signed off on his sentencing date last month.

Charles Nedz, his attorney, noted that his client recently was diagnosed with cancer. He had no other explanation for the absence to offer. He asked for the sentencing to be rescheduled to a later date. McCune denied the request.

Several members of Barto's family went to the courthouse for the sentencing.

Dan Barto, Melissa's father, said he was surprised.

“My whole train of thought has been derailed by him not showing,” Dan Barto said.

His wife, Lisa Barto, said her fears were confirmed.

“I had a feeling he wouldn't show,” she said. “You would think he would want to come here to put his life together whether he's sick or not.”

Ramsey was convicted of first-degree homicide among other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison Dec. 2.

Howard-George testified during Ramsey's case in October, aiding in Ramsey's conviction. He testified Ramsey held him at gunpoint, forcing him to aid in the disposal of Barto's body.