Republic, OH Area Cold Cases

Name

Eveline Ashbaugh

Age

78

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On may 5, 2007 eveline ashbaugh was found deceased in her home on buttermilk hill road. Ashbaugh was last heard from on the evening of may 4, 2007 at approximately 11:30pm.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Lisa Gross

Age

62

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Lisa ann gross was discovered in the bathtub of her home by her two children who had just returned home from school. The children were 11 and 7 years old at the time of the incident. There was no forced entry to the home. The water in the bathtub was left running and flooded the entire residence. The victim and the bathroom were covered in shredded paper that was taken from the office inside the residence. Lisa died from a puncture wound to the back of her head. A murder weapon was never found. There is no evidence to suggest one way or the other if lisa knew her attacker. This investigation is still ongoing and all leads are being sought and considered in hopes of identifying the suspect(s).

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Stacey Colbert

Age

49

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 24, 1998 a family member of stacey's contacted the columbus police department as they had not been able to contact stacey for a couple of day's and she had not reported to work. Her apartment was found to be unlocked with no evidence of a burglary or theft. Neighbors reported to the police that on the evening of march 22, 1998 they were awakened by a female scream and loud banging. On november 27, 2004 a hunter looking for a lost dog in a wood line near the scioto river on state route 257 north in delaware county, ohio discovered human remains, the remains were identified as stacey colbert.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Alice Ayers

Age

69

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On october 9, 1992 deputies were dispatched to the area of 981 longshore road in south eastern delaware county. The homeowner located a body in the cornfield near this address. Deputies located the badly decomposed body of alice ayers, who was previously reported missing in columbus, ohio by family members.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Victoria Hincher

Age

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

1976 victoria hincher - kidnapped from cincinnati, strangled, found on new london rd

Agency

Butler County

Name

Brian Hoskins

Age

61

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On february 1, 2005, a traffic unit came across an accident at nebraska & city park. The driver, 41-year old toledo resident brian hoskins, was unconscious and a life squad was ordered. Fire personnel were conducting a check of mr. Hoskins when they discovered that he had been shot in the chest. The victim was transported to st. Vincent's medical center where he later expired. It appears the victim was shot at another location and was fleeing the scene when he passed out and struck a parked car.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Joan Palacio

Age

46

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On september 15, 2002 toledo police units along with toledo fire department responded to a report of a female's body on the ground behind 966 oak. The victim, 24 year old joan palacio was pronounced deceased at the scene and appeared to have been placed in this location after her death. Ms. Palacio's cause of death resulted from blunt trauma and strangulation. She was last seen early in the morning on september 15, 2002 when palacio was picked up by a white male, with reddish brown hair driving a red sports car at 649 oak.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Charles Weidinger

Age

44

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 9, 2002, toledo police units responded to 3448 beaumont ave. Around 11 p.M. On a report of a "Person shot." the victim, 21-year old charles weidinger, had gone outside to move his vehicle into the garage for the night. The responding officers on scene discovered mr. Weidinger on the floor of his garage suffering from a gunshot wound. Tfd transported the victim to st. Vincent's medical center where he later expired. Robbery appears to be the motive for this incident.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Dorothy Rejiester

Age

105

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 19, 2001, 82 year old dorothy reiester's home located at 351 stanley court was burglarized and she was killed. The victim's son and daughter-in-law went to her home on the morning of november 21, 2001 due to not being able to get a hold of ms. Rejiester. Upon entering, the victim was found lying in her bedroom and appeared to be deceased. The victim's cause of death resulted from asphyxia. The items removed from the victim's home consisted of a 19" sansui television and a new citibank credit card.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Tina Stallworth

Age

57

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 22, 2001, fire was dispatched to 2367 warren street apt. #1 for an unconscious person. Examination of the victim, 33-year old tina stallworth, revealed a gun shot wound. Toledo police units were then dispatched to the location in which fire personnel pronounced ms. Stallworth deceased at the scene. The shots were fired into the residence from the outside with one of the rounds striking and killing the victim.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Betty Jagodzinski

Age

100

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 6, 2001 betty jagodzinski was found unconscious at the bottom of her basement stairs. She died approximately 4 hours later from blunt craniocerebral trauma. Her death was ruled a homicide. There was no sign of forced entry and the victim's purse could not be located.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Carla Bailey

Age

62

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 21, 2000, toledo police units responded to 418 martin lane after being notified by the family members of 37-year old carla bailey whom became concerned when they had not heard from her. Once gaining entry to ms. Bailey's apartment, authorities discovered her body inside suffering multiple stab wounds. The death was ruled as a homicide.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Angela Steele

Age

55

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On june 4th, 1999 at 7:11 a.M. The wyandot county sheriff's office received a 911 call from the victim's husband, michael steele, stating that he believed his wife's car was badly burned and against a tree along side the roadway a short distance from their residence. Upon deputies arrival and subsequent investigation, the remains of the victim were found burned in the front seat of her car. An autopsy was unable to determine the exact cause of death due to the extreme heat of the fire. The cause of the fire was determined to be arson and the death ruled a homicide. The scene had been staged to give the appearance of a traffic crash. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to leave a tip or contact the wyandot county sheriff's office at 419-294-2362.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Sammie Justice

Age

90

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 3, 1998 the victim, 63 year old sammie justice, was found deceased in his home located at 162 bronson street by other family members that resided within the home. There was no sign of forced entry into the premises and all doors leading into the home appeared to be intact and locked. Mr. Justice's cause of death resulted from multiple stab wounds.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Thomas Bryant

Age

66

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

The victim, 37-year old thomas bryant, was last seen in bellevue, oh on march 04, 1996. The victim's body was found behind 359 hamilton between three semitrailers arranged in a u-shape on march 06, 1996 . Family and friends of the missing victim canvassed the neighborhood where mr. Bryant's vehicle was discovered by authorities on march 5th, 1996. The cause of death resulted from multiple gun shot wounds by (an)assailant(s). There is no explanation as to why the victim ended up in toledo, oh.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Tabitha Guth

Age

48

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On august 20, 1995, tabitha guth was last seen by a friend, whom she informed that she was going to walk to her residence at 134 willamont from a house in the 3900 block of watson street, toledo. Tabitha guth was not seen or heard from after leaving her friend's house between 11:00pm and midnight on this date. On august 22, 1995, personal items belonging to tabitha guth were found in the area of laskey road and bennett road. On september 21, 1995, remains of a female body were found near the fence of a business in the area of laskey road and bennett road. Investigation confirmed the body to be that of tabitha guth and that the manner of her death was determined to be a homicide. All viable leads into guth's death have been exhausted.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Carole Varnes

Age

82

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

At 5:40 a.M. The victim was leaving her residence to go to her automobile which was parked at the rear of her home. Her adult son, who was in the home, heard her scream and honk her horn. This was followed quickly by a gun shot. Responding police units found the victim lying across the front seat of her auto. Her son observed a lone gunman flee the scene. The victim's purse was missing and robbery appears to have been the motive.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Gatha Bowman

Age

69

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

An employee with the delaware county engineer's office located human remains on march 16, 1993 in a gravel pile at the property on dunham road, south of state route 37e. The body was located on a gravel pile covered in trash, partially clothed. The victim was identified as gatha d bowman through dental records. Bowman was reported missing through richland county on february 16, 1993. Her van was recovered near the best western in the mansfield area on february 16, 1993 by a deputy on routine patrol. She was last seen at her place of employment on february 15, 1993 at 6:45 p.M. She stated to employees she was en route to a business meeting.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Mark Johnson

Age

65

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On august 19, 1991, toledo police units were dispatched to the alley at the rear of 1118 woodland by numerous witnesses who heard multiple gunshots. Officers arriving on scene found the victim, 30-year old mark johnson, slumped across the seat of his vehicle with two gunshot wounds to the face and head area. Mr. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Dennis Harris

Age

55

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 31, 1991, the victim, 21-year old dennis harris, was found laying face down outside of fifth quarter lounge at 2248 ashland avenue bleeding from the mouth. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. There was a fight that took place in the bar and the managers tried to break it up when shots were fired and mr. Harris was struck in the chest.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Samone Anderson

Age

55

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Samone anderson was found in the early morning hours of october 6, 1990 lying on the front porch of a house at 1525 west bancroft street. She had deep cut wounds around her neck and suffered blunt force trauma on her body.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Henry Jackson

Age

51

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 07/15/1990 lucas county sheriff's office personnel responded to a deceased person call near the intersection of corduroy road and lafontaine drive in jerusalem twp., ohio. The lucas county coroner's office ruled the manner of death as homicide, and cause of death as strangulation. The deceased was identified as 16yr old henry o. Jackson.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

William Allen

Age

105

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On the morning of december 5, 1985, the body of 65-year old william j. Allen (bill) was found murdered outside his residence. Bill died as a result of blunt force trauma and the case remains unsolved. Bill was a well known fur trader in marion county. Anyone with information is encouraged to submit a tip.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Richard Wlodarczyk

Age

67

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

At 7:32 am on march 11, 1985 uniformed patrol officers responded to a call of a possible homicide at the red lobster restaurant located at 4990 monroe street in toledo. Officers found the body of associate manager richard wlodarczyk on the kitchen floor. Mr. Wlodarczyk had been stabbed numerous times. The victim was last seen alive around midnight by employees leaving the restaurant. There was no sign of forced entry and an undisclosed amount of money was found to be missing from the restaurant.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Michelle Hoffman

Age

62

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

The last time that anyone heard from michelle hoffman was on september 1, 1981. On september 15, 1981 she was reported missing. Her body was found in a wooded area at the rear of mulberry park by a man hunting rabbits on september 17, 1981. The cause of death was determined to be a blunt force injury to the head. The coroner estimated the date of death to be on or about september 2, 1981.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Ava Lomas

Age

65

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On july 25, 1979 two teenagers found ava lomas laying in an alley behind 3134 maplewood avenue in toledo. The victim was beaten suffering multiple blunt force injuries to her head and neck.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Jane Jordan

Age

78

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On the evening of october 18, 1977, the body of 31 year old jane jordan was discovered brutally murdered, in her apartment by two co-workers. Jane had not shown up for her job at the jeep plant for at least three days. As a result, her foreman asked another employee, identified as robert tille, to go check on her. Robert, along with employee raymond luce jr, went to lake view shores apartments in maumee and located jane deceased. After she was found, the maumee police division, as well as bci, responded to investigate. This case remains unsolved. Please contact maumee police at detective@maumee.Org with any information.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Regina Hicks

Age

48

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On thursday, october 18, 2001, at approximately 8 p.M. Witnesses state that regina hicks left her boyfriends residence driving her white camero, to retrieve her son, at another location. Witnesses at the retrieval residence stated regina hicks never arrived to pick up her son. On monday, october 22, 2001, regina's white camero was located in a pond at sectionline 30. Further investigation confirmed the body of regina hicks was recovered from the vehicle.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Daniel Violette

Age

43

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Daniel violette was last seen in huron county, oh on 10/25/1998. Violette's body was found in rural huron county on 11/04/1998. This case is being investigated as a questioned death.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Marcia Matthews

Age

65

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 06/12/1985, 25yr old marcia matthews was found along interstate 71 near mile marker 162. Marcia died two and a half days later of brain damage and a fractured skull.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Mark Mellick

Age

75

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On march 14, 1985 at approximately 1:00am, 35yr old mark mellick was brutally beaten to death with a blunt object. According to the richland county coroner's report, mellick died from subdural hematoma to the right cerebrum as a result of blunt force trauma. On march 13, 1985, mark mellick had been seen during the late evening hours at scotty's tavern in mansfield, ohio, where he ate pizza and had some drinks with a female acquaintance. It is reported that he left scotty's tavern around midnight or shortly thereafter. On the morning of march 14, 1985, mark failed to show up at his business, lehr awning company. An employee went to mark's residence where he discovered mark's body in the fenced area of his yard. There was a trail of blood from mark's truck and evidence of a struggle and beating. The investigation has uncovered information of possible suspects in the case and revealed that mark was involved in a relationship with a married woman. There has also been information indicating that other motives could be a factor in this case. It is believed that someone has critical information that can bring justice and closure to this case. Detectives with the richland county sheriff's office major crimes unit are reviewing evidence and looking for potential leads in this investigation.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Deborah Holbrook

Age

66

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

Debbie holbrook was reported missing to mansfield police department by her mother on june 27, 1980, at 1054 hrs. Debbie had been missing since june 26, 1980 and was last seen leaving her parent's house at 6:00pm with her sister. On june 27,1980, around 12:59pm, debbie's body was found by a camp counselor at camp glen taylor, located on st. Rt. 430 in mifflin township. Her nude body was found in a wooded area with stab wounds.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Kyle Gutierrez

Age

29

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On february 8, 2018 at approximately 1:54am, 22 year old kyle gutierrez was located laying in the middle of the southbound lane of north main street, in the area of 280 north main street, where he was determined to be deceased. It is believed gutierrez was struck by a vehicle travelling southbound on north main street which then fled the area. During the course of the investigation, several individuals were interviewed and many leads were followed but no charges were ever filed for the death of gutierrez.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Robert Gnizak

Age

57

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 08/14/2016, 49yr old robert gnizak was shot while attempting to protect his friend who was being robbed. Robert was being given a ride home from work by a female friend. They stopped at taco bell to get some food on the way home. Robert has difficulty seeing and exited the vehicle to look at the menu in the drive-thru. While he was out of the car, a black male approached the passenger side of the car and demanded money from the female driver at gun point. Robert came to the aid of his friend and was shot by the suspect. The suspect then searched the vehicle for money before fleeing on foot.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Angela Hall

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 03/22/2016, the skeletal remains of a 16-36 year old white female were found in a farm field next to state route 58 in huntington township, ohio. The site is separated from highway and drainage swale by border fencing. This individual was wearing a spaghetti strap dress or top, victoria's secret 38b bra and matching panties, a peugot watch with white face, yellow metal numerals 225wt and a wire bangle bracelet. A stud-type earring was found and the individual had french manicure artificial nails with sequins and daisy pattern. These remains were later identified as angela hall.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Alan Lapash Sr

Age

72

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 11/12/2014, 61yr old alan lapash was out walking with his adult son. As they were nearing a city park, three men approached them on foot. One of the males asked what the son's names was as he reached out his hand, as if to shake hands with him. Instead of shaking hands, the male grabbed his hand, pulled him in and then all three males began assault alan and his son. A nearby resident came to the aid of alan and his son, chasing the suspects off. The three males were never identified. Alan was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. He later died on september 12, 2015 of head injuries he received during his assault. He had been in a coma since the assault.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Mario Whitfield

Age

37

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 09/01/2011, at approximately 0445 hours, lorain police officers were dispatched to the area of west 24th street and westview court in lorain regarding shots fired and a male possibly being hit. The victim, mario whitfield, was located deceased in the front yard of 2334 westview court. Whitfield died from a single gunshot wound which entered his upper right chest/armpit.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Damis Crawford

Age

45

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 08/13/2010, 30yr old damis crawford was standing outside the residence with his brother, when a vehicle drove by and the occupant(s) shot several rounds in their direction. Information was provided that the shooting was a retaliation shooting for the death of gang member, who was killed in a gang/drug related shooting. Damis crawford was an innocent man who was standing at the wrong place, at the wrong time. There is no evidence that he had any connection to the other incidents leading up to his death. A suspect was developed in this case; however, there was insufficient evidence to pursue prosecution.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Bryant Ortiz

Age

49

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 09/21/2009, bryant ortiz was drinking in a local bar (ray's memory lane) when he became involved in an argument with an unknown black male. All the patrons were ordered to leave but the argument continued in the parking lot. A short time later, ortiz and his brother, mark silva, were walking away from the bar on east 37th when a black male approached the two and shot ortiz.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Christopher Hill

Age

32

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 06/22/2009, 16yr old christopher hill was shot to death while seated in the rear seat of a vehicle that was driving in the area of west 17th street and long avenue. A single gunman shot the car and fled the area on foot. This shooting is suspected of being gang/drug related. A suspect was developed, but insufficient evidence gathered to support a prosecution. A retaliation shooting was carried out by gang members a few hours later, claiming the life of marquis anthony mccall. The suspects in that case were identified and prosecuted.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Darren Grove

Age

59

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 01/15/2007, darren grove was found lying on the sidewalk outside his residence at 816 w.18th lorain, ohio. Grove died of a gunshot wound to the chest. A neighbor heard several shots and one projectile entered the neighbors house. The neighbor saw a black male with a muscular build run from the house and enter a purple four door vehicle. It was discovered that grove just returned from detroit, michigan with a large quantity of cocaine. Tips and rumors suggested that the shooting was a result of a dispute or robbery of drugs and money.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Tommy Gamble

Age

68

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 07/09/2003, 46yr old tommy gamble was walking alone in the area of long avenue and west 17th street, as he often did at 1:00am. Gamble was discovered by a passing motorist as he lay dead in the crosswalk. There were no known witnesses and no suspects have been developed.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

William English IV

Age

47

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 10/07/2002, 24yr old william english was shot to death at his residence at approximately 1:00pm. There was a knock at the door, he opened it and engaged in a conversation with an unknown male. The male, later identified as a black male, shot william several times , killing him. The suspect fled immediately after the shooting. It is believed that the shooting was in retaliation for an incident that occurred earlier in the evening, but the shooter was never identified.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

George Elmore

Age

106

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 10/28/1998, the body of george elmore was discovered in his mobile home in north baltimore. He died of stab wounds to the chest/abdomen. It is believed that robbery was the motive for the homicide as the victim was known to carry a substantial amount of cash on his person.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Calvin Strong

Age

59

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On july 23, 1997, the fostoria police department was advised by a male subject that he had witnessed a shooting on switzer road north of fostoria. The wood county sheriff's office responded and found the body of 32 year old calvin strong lying in the front seat of his vehicle having been shot to death. The male subject who witnessed the shooting stated he was in strong's car with strong and drove to rural switzer road to meet other subjects in another vehicle to complete a drug transaction.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Michael Bollman

Age

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 12/20/1996 at 12:20, the northwood police department responded to the car corral used car lot at 230 earl st., northwood, oh after being called by the owner stating that michael bollman, an employee of the car corral, was found shot to death inside the office.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Victoria Collins

Age

55

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On december 20, 1996 the nude body of victoria j. Collins was found behind the garage area of a truck stop at 3483 libbey rd., perrysburg (lake township), oh. Collins was reported missing on 12/18/1996 by her boyfriend, and was last seen on 12/16/1996 or early morning hours of 12/17/1996.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Tammy Beetler

Age

61

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 02/09/1995, tammy beetler was found deceased in her home, by family members, she was in the master bedroom on the floor covered in bed linens and clothing. Tammy had been beaten with a claw hammer causing massive head injury.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Jose Jimenez

Age

85

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On 12/03/1993, 54yr old jose jimenez was found in his apartment deceased. His landlord was going to evict him for non-payment of rent, and had gone to the apartment to try to collect back rent. When he knocked on the door, there was no answer so he opened the door. He found jimenez lying on the kitchen floor, deceased and the apartment had signs of a struggle. Mr. Jimenez had been stabbed multiple times during a struggle and the blade had broken off in his body. In speaking with neighbors, there was some type of party going on in mr. Jimenez' apartment the night before his death. The neighbors were all interviewed but none admitted to being present at the party or knowing what had happened to mr. Jimenez. No suspect(s) were developed in this case.

Agency

Ohio AG

Name

Kathryn Hill

Age

60

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On november 5, 1990, the partially nude body of 26 year old kathryn hill was found in the rear parking lot of a truck stop located near the ohio turnpike in lake township, wood county, oh. Ms. Hill was alleged to be a prostitute working the truck stops in the exit 5 area. The cause of death after autopsy is undetermined, although the victim had sustained a right occipital scalp laceration, contusion to the right eye and nasal and chin abrasions. Dna evidence was recovered and has been entered in codis.

Agency

Ohio AG