8 years late: Reer to stand trial for Amanda Dean’s murder

Despite inaction and denial from the Huron County sheriff, long-overdue murder trial set to begin; family hopes justice prevails

NORWALK — Eight years after Amanda Dean disappeared — and after years of unanswered questions — the man accused of killing her is finally heading to trial.

A final pre-trial hearing is set for Tuesday (July 29) in Huron County Common Pleas Court, with Fred Reer scheduled to stand trial beginning Aug. 18 on charges of murder, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.

Fred Reer is seen here in a Huron County courtroom during his arraignment on Feb.12, 2024, on homicide charges related to the death of Amanda Dean. PHOTO/Matt Westerhold

“My family and I are preparing for an incredibly difficult chapter,” Shannon Dean, Amanda’s sister told StayTunedSandusky.com on Wednesday. “Amanda was brutally and senselessly murdered — an act of violence that has forever changed our lives.”

Indicted on Feb. 9, 2024, Reer could receive a life sentence if he is convicted.

Justice delayed

Getting his day in court almost didn’t happen. It took more than eight years after Amanda’s family first reported her missing, when they told Huron County Sheriff Todd Corbin they feared Reer killed her.

But just one day after filing a missing persons report and telling Corbin they believed she was dead, Corbin told them Amanda was safe, she was choosing not to speak with them.

Amanda Dean was 36 when she was killed. PHOTO/Provided