Thursday, February 28, 2013
The wheels of justice may have ground to a halt
February 10, 2013
A Lisbon man was killed and another Columbiana County man was
wounded Feb. 1 in a Youngstown shooting. Within five days, a 32-year-old
Youngstown man had been arrested and charged with aggravated murder and
felonious assault in connection with this crime.
On Jan. 31, two young men were shot to death in Steubenville. By Feb. 4, a 16-year-old suspect had been apprehended and charged with two counts of murder in that case.
In the much-publicized August rape case in Steubenville that has brought protests and allegations of police corruption and incompetence, two juveniles were taken into custody and charged within 11 days of the alleged incident.
So what does all of this have to do with us in Columbiana County? We wanted to point out how swiftly several serious crimes have been handled in our neighboring counties of Mahoning and Jefferson.
In Columbiana County, the wheels of justice turn much slower and many cases, the wheels seemed to have stopped.
The Columbiana County Families of Homicide Victims lists on its website 23 unsolved murders/suspicious deaths in our county, but their list includes many cases which are up to 40 years old or occurred outside the county. The CCFHV list also includes missing persons. By our calculations the list is not quite as long, but there have still been at least 15 unsolved murders/questionable deaths over the last 20 years.
The CCFHV was formed in 2007 in response to the growing number of unsolved questionable deaths here. Their purpose for organizing was to help law enforcement obtain leads to help solve these crimes and to keep pressure on officials so that their loved ones' cases would not be forgotten.
Despite CCFHV's efforts, the list continues to grow. At least one unsolved murder has been committed in each of the last three years. Our last homicide occurred Dec. 3, 2012. We've been told that local law enforcement officials have a "person of interest" in this case. But now, more than two months later, no one has been charged. This case is a particularly disturbing because a woman was bludgeoned to death in her own home, and her 5 year-old grandson barely survived a savage beating, presumably at the hands of the same culprit.
We've been told by Sheriff Ray Stone that his detectives have concluded their investigations into some of these "unsolved" murders and the information passed along to the prosecutor's office for action. But still no charges. Why? What's the holdup? Is something or someone hindering the prosecution?
It's frightening to think that the animal who so viciously attacked the Perry Township woman and her grandson may still be walking among us.
We realize there must be sufficient evidence to arrest and successfully prosecute someone on murder charges, but isn't this growing number of unsolved cases inordinately large considering the small population of this county?
The Columbiana County Homicide Task Force was organized last year to allow participating police departments to provide investigatory assistance if requested by another department when a suspected murder occurs in their community. Two of our older unsolved murder cases were also recently listed on the Ohio attorney general's cold case website, so it's not as if officials are just sweeping these crimes under the carpet and forgetting about them.
We're grateful these actions have been taken, but Columbiana County residents are becoming frustrated with the large number of murders on the "unsolved" list and the length of time some of the cases have been there.
It's time county officials either take action or publicly explain why they have failed to act.
On Jan. 31, two young men were shot to death in Steubenville. By Feb. 4, a 16-year-old suspect had been apprehended and charged with two counts of murder in that case.
In the much-publicized August rape case in Steubenville that has brought protests and allegations of police corruption and incompetence, two juveniles were taken into custody and charged within 11 days of the alleged incident.
So what does all of this have to do with us in Columbiana County? We wanted to point out how swiftly several serious crimes have been handled in our neighboring counties of Mahoning and Jefferson.
In Columbiana County, the wheels of justice turn much slower and many cases, the wheels seemed to have stopped.
The Columbiana County Families of Homicide Victims lists on its website 23 unsolved murders/suspicious deaths in our county, but their list includes many cases which are up to 40 years old or occurred outside the county. The CCFHV list also includes missing persons. By our calculations the list is not quite as long, but there have still been at least 15 unsolved murders/questionable deaths over the last 20 years.
The CCFHV was formed in 2007 in response to the growing number of unsolved questionable deaths here. Their purpose for organizing was to help law enforcement obtain leads to help solve these crimes and to keep pressure on officials so that their loved ones' cases would not be forgotten.
Despite CCFHV's efforts, the list continues to grow. At least one unsolved murder has been committed in each of the last three years. Our last homicide occurred Dec. 3, 2012. We've been told that local law enforcement officials have a "person of interest" in this case. But now, more than two months later, no one has been charged. This case is a particularly disturbing because a woman was bludgeoned to death in her own home, and her 5 year-old grandson barely survived a savage beating, presumably at the hands of the same culprit.
We've been told by Sheriff Ray Stone that his detectives have concluded their investigations into some of these "unsolved" murders and the information passed along to the prosecutor's office for action. But still no charges. Why? What's the holdup? Is something or someone hindering the prosecution?
It's frightening to think that the animal who so viciously attacked the Perry Township woman and her grandson may still be walking among us.
We realize there must be sufficient evidence to arrest and successfully prosecute someone on murder charges, but isn't this growing number of unsolved cases inordinately large considering the small population of this county?
The Columbiana County Homicide Task Force was organized last year to allow participating police departments to provide investigatory assistance if requested by another department when a suspected murder occurs in their community. Two of our older unsolved murder cases were also recently listed on the Ohio attorney general's cold case website, so it's not as if officials are just sweeping these crimes under the carpet and forgetting about them.
We're grateful these actions have been taken, but Columbiana County residents are becoming frustrated with the large number of murders on the "unsolved" list and the length of time some of the cases have been there.
It's time county officials either take action or publicly explain why they have failed to act.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Additional funding allows Sheriff to hire new deputy
January 19, 2013
,
The Review
LISBON - The Columbiana County Sheriff's Office has a new deputy,
thanks to an additional $100,000 in funding provided by county
commissioners.
Sheriff Ray Stone said he hired James "Jasper" Cannon, 40, a part-time officer with the St. Clair Township Police Department. Cannon, who starts Jan. 28, has also worked with the Liverpool Township and Wellsville police departments.
Cannon will be filling a slot that has been vacant since February 2012 following the retirement of the Deputy Dan Bradley. Stone said he was unable to fill the position last year after commissioners cut funding for most offices by 5 percent in 2012.
The reduction for the sheriff's office was $90,000 but commissioners restored the budget cut this year by providing Stone's office with $100,000 increase.
Cannon's starting wage is $14.75 an hour, or $30,680, but Stone said the actual cost to his budget is nearly $60,000 once you include health insurance coverage and other employee benefits, which is why he is only able to hire one deputy with the additional funding.
Stone intends to use the remaining money that commissioners gave him to possibly assign a second deputy to the county Drug Task Force. He is seeking a state grant to help cover the rest of the cost.
As for Cannon, he will work the road patrol and eventually be assigned the 7 p.m.-3 a.m. overlap shift, which was discontinued while the sheriff's office was short a deputy.
"It will put a deputy on the road at the busiest peak time" for criminal activity, Stone said, adding that having an additional deputy is expected to cut down somewhat on overtime.
This returns Stone's staff to 20 deputies, which includes the sheriff, chief deputy and 12 road patrol deputies.
Sheriff Ray Stone said he hired James "Jasper" Cannon, 40, a part-time officer with the St. Clair Township Police Department. Cannon, who starts Jan. 28, has also worked with the Liverpool Township and Wellsville police departments.
Cannon will be filling a slot that has been vacant since February 2012 following the retirement of the Deputy Dan Bradley. Stone said he was unable to fill the position last year after commissioners cut funding for most offices by 5 percent in 2012.
The reduction for the sheriff's office was $90,000 but commissioners restored the budget cut this year by providing Stone's office with $100,000 increase.
Cannon's starting wage is $14.75 an hour, or $30,680, but Stone said the actual cost to his budget is nearly $60,000 once you include health insurance coverage and other employee benefits, which is why he is only able to hire one deputy with the additional funding.
Stone intends to use the remaining money that commissioners gave him to possibly assign a second deputy to the county Drug Task Force. He is seeking a state grant to help cover the rest of the cost.
As for Cannon, he will work the road patrol and eventually be assigned the 7 p.m.-3 a.m. overlap shift, which was discontinued while the sheriff's office was short a deputy.
"It will put a deputy on the road at the busiest peak time" for criminal activity, Stone said, adding that having an additional deputy is expected to cut down somewhat on overtime.
This returns Stone's staff to 20 deputies, which includes the sheriff, chief deputy and 12 road patrol deputies.
Cold Case Squad Update!
Williams murder added to state’s cold cases
January 20, 2013
,
The Review
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued a news release after Christmas announcing their unsolved homicide database had grown to include 1,062 cases from around the state.
"We are very happy that so many local law enforcement agencies have submitted their unsolved homicide cases. We have already received tips on some of the cases, and we hope these tips will lead to arrests," said DeWine, in a news release issued by his office.
The only Columbiana County homicide listed on the website is the Mike Williams murder, although there are numerous other unsolved homicides/questionable deaths in the county. Williams, 37, was found beaten to death in the driver's seat of his car not far from his Elkrun Township home on Aug. 30, 2005.
Attorney general public information officer Jill Del Greco said the website was actually started under former attorney general Richard Cordray, and the listings came exclusively from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), which is the investigative branch of the attorney general's office.
She said DeWine decided to expand the website, and last September had asked law enforcement agencies from around the state to begin submitting their cold cases if they wanted. There were 166 cases listed at the time, but the website expanded significantly after that.
County Sheriff Ray Stone said it is his understanding a BCI agent assisting them on the Williams investigation submitted the case for the state website, and his detectives are currently working on adding the Gerald Klusch and Richard Altomare cases to the list.
Altomare, 59, was found shot to death in September 1999 in the basement of the former Crestview Elementary School building, which he owned. Klusch, 71, of Lisbon, went missing on Sept. 29, 2011, and his body was found seven weeks later near Salineville with two gunshot wounds to the head.
Stone said they have yet to receive any tips on the Williams murder as a result of the website listing.
Fifty-four law enforcement agencies submitted cold cases, with the larger cities and counties responsible for most of the submissions, such as: Cincinnati Police Department, 423 cases; Dayton 376; Akron, 72; and Franklin County Sheriff's Office, 61.
The Cleveland Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office are in the process of submitting cold cases, which is expected to push the website listings past 2,000.
"We've gotten 26 tips since September and the information has been sent back to the local agencies handling the case," Del Greco said.
The link to the Cold Case Squad in Columbus is;
http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Law-Enforcement/Local-Law-Enforcement/Cold-Case
Saturday, January 12, 2013
My Thoughts on "Anonymous"
People have asked me why I would show support of a vigilante group that breaks the law by illegally hacking and who goes after police and politicians.
Let me help you understand.
Obviously I have many friends both in law enforcement and in the political field. I have known some of these people for years and believe that they are good people.
I have fought for the VICTIMS in Columbiana County for close to 6 years and have always believed that they (and their families) deserve justice.
Working at events, year after year after year and listening to the public I have learned a thing or two.
One point is that the general feeling (at least with murder victims) is that people DO NOT want to get involved. They would much rather go about their daily lives pretending all is well with the world. Some sympathize, some make absolutely ignorant remarks, some blame ALL police departments, but most do not care.
If you look to the right on my website you will see 2 quotes. I believe both to be true and have had them on here for at least 2 years.
People DO NOT care until it happens to them or someone they love.
Somewhere along the line, people have connected "Victim" with "Guilty"
It is VERY difficult for people to work in my booth because of this. Family members have to endure the jerks of society attacking someone they love because they have no idea what it feels like to be in this situation.
When CCFHV 1st started out, it was so aggravating to try to make people understand. We needed their help. We STILL need their help. Someone knows something about every single one of our victims and for whatever reason, they remain silent.
I have always believed in the "Strength in numbers" theory and that is what Anonymous does.
No single person gets credit....no one is a "Superstar" they work with everyone and make sure that the victims are not forgotten.
Some facts that you may not know about Anonymous
They have successfully taken down such low lives as The Westboro Church, who were a small group of radicals protesting at Military funerals and threatened to protest at the victims of the Connecticut shootings funerals. They protested simply for the fun of protesting and hoping to get their 15 minutes of fame by doing so. Westboro had no remorse for the victims or their families.
Another situation where Anonymous became involved was Amanda Todd, who commited suicide. They exposed the guy that caused her to take her own life.
Hbgary was a security company hired by the government to protect files. They made a threat to anons and in response they were hacked and the ceo was forced to resign.Hbgary were trying to censor what you can see on the internet.
The corrupt government of Egypt.
And more recently the Stuebenville Rape Case.
I will tell you all a little story about this one.
Many years ago, I was very close to someone that was brutally raped and beaten. She (like so many others) did not come forward. She hid herself away and told very few people about what had happened to her. I am still very close to her and here are some things that maybe people don't realize about a VICTIM of any kind.
She has serious TRUST issues and has to this day only shared what happened to her to about 4 people. She STILL(after almost 30 years) battles with night terrors and depression, she is obsessive about the well being and safety of her friends and family, she has intimacy issues, is very good at hiding her true feelings, and is afraid all of the time.
STILL AFTER 30 YEARS!!!!
When asked the simple question "Why didn't u come forward or press charges?" her response??? "Because I was wearing a short shirt that day and I didn't want to put my family threw it."
Now, as sad as that is....it is true.
Time and time again, the VICTIM (whether it is rape, homicide, etc.) is made to feel like she/he did something wrong!!!
The Steubenville case would have been another of these situations where nothing is done and no one was punished except the victim.
My heart really goes out to this young girl. I have seen the long term effects of this and other crimes and believe me when I say that she will NEVER, EVER be the same. Her life has changed forever and why in the world should she have to live with the fact that the ones that did this to her are free and going on as if nothing ever happened??
So yes, I applaud Anonymous on this one. She TRIED to do the right thing. She came forward. She mustered up incredible courage and came forward only to be told by those sworn to protect her to hush up about and discouraged from making it public.
Anonymous is HER voice. She remains anonymous. (as she should)
I will ALWAYS support the efforts of someone raising awareness on the victim!!!!
As for Anonymous coming to Columbiana County, I support that as well.
They have been able to do in one visit to Steubenville more than I have been able to do in 6+ years of being out in the public.
The VICTIM IS THE VICTIM!!!
As for the political end, I do not know all of the facts except what is public. I do know that they tried to discourage this young girl from going public, I do know that she was let down by the very system put in place to protect her and I do know that this case is getting National attention and for ONCE.....people may understand what a victim actually is.
No one innocent has EVER been targeted by Anonymous. They don't rely on gossip or unconfirmed reports.
IF they are coming here, they have PROOF of some wrong-doing by someone. They ONLY care about the victims and their families and making sure that when people are employed to do a job to protect innocent people, whether it is the public, elderly, rape or homicide victims, minor children, military, etc.) They come to provide "Strength in numbers" and if someone is getting paid to protect and they are NOT doing that, they have no business being there.
It isn't a "Witch Hunt" people! It is an answer. It is a chance to get on board and stand up for what is right. It is TIME!
Let me help you understand.
Obviously I have many friends both in law enforcement and in the political field. I have known some of these people for years and believe that they are good people.
I have fought for the VICTIMS in Columbiana County for close to 6 years and have always believed that they (and their families) deserve justice.
Working at events, year after year after year and listening to the public I have learned a thing or two.
One point is that the general feeling (at least with murder victims) is that people DO NOT want to get involved. They would much rather go about their daily lives pretending all is well with the world. Some sympathize, some make absolutely ignorant remarks, some blame ALL police departments, but most do not care.
If you look to the right on my website you will see 2 quotes. I believe both to be true and have had them on here for at least 2 years.
People DO NOT care until it happens to them or someone they love.
Somewhere along the line, people have connected "Victim" with "Guilty"
It is VERY difficult for people to work in my booth because of this. Family members have to endure the jerks of society attacking someone they love because they have no idea what it feels like to be in this situation.
When CCFHV 1st started out, it was so aggravating to try to make people understand. We needed their help. We STILL need their help. Someone knows something about every single one of our victims and for whatever reason, they remain silent.
I have always believed in the "Strength in numbers" theory and that is what Anonymous does.
No single person gets credit....no one is a "Superstar" they work with everyone and make sure that the victims are not forgotten.
Some facts that you may not know about Anonymous
They have successfully taken down such low lives as The Westboro Church, who were a small group of radicals protesting at Military funerals and threatened to protest at the victims of the Connecticut shootings funerals. They protested simply for the fun of protesting and hoping to get their 15 minutes of fame by doing so. Westboro had no remorse for the victims or their families.
Another situation where Anonymous became involved was Amanda Todd, who commited suicide. They exposed the guy that caused her to take her own life.
Hbgary was a security company hired by the government to protect files. They made a threat to anons and in response they were hacked and the ceo was forced to resign.Hbgary were trying to censor what you can see on the internet.
The corrupt government of Egypt.
And more recently the Stuebenville Rape Case.
I will tell you all a little story about this one.
Many years ago, I was very close to someone that was brutally raped and beaten. She (like so many others) did not come forward. She hid herself away and told very few people about what had happened to her. I am still very close to her and here are some things that maybe people don't realize about a VICTIM of any kind.
She has serious TRUST issues and has to this day only shared what happened to her to about 4 people. She STILL(after almost 30 years) battles with night terrors and depression, she is obsessive about the well being and safety of her friends and family, she has intimacy issues, is very good at hiding her true feelings, and is afraid all of the time.
STILL AFTER 30 YEARS!!!!
When asked the simple question "Why didn't u come forward or press charges?" her response??? "Because I was wearing a short shirt that day and I didn't want to put my family threw it."
Now, as sad as that is....it is true.
Time and time again, the VICTIM (whether it is rape, homicide, etc.) is made to feel like she/he did something wrong!!!
The Steubenville case would have been another of these situations where nothing is done and no one was punished except the victim.
My heart really goes out to this young girl. I have seen the long term effects of this and other crimes and believe me when I say that she will NEVER, EVER be the same. Her life has changed forever and why in the world should she have to live with the fact that the ones that did this to her are free and going on as if nothing ever happened??
So yes, I applaud Anonymous on this one. She TRIED to do the right thing. She came forward. She mustered up incredible courage and came forward only to be told by those sworn to protect her to hush up about and discouraged from making it public.
Anonymous is HER voice. She remains anonymous. (as she should)
I will ALWAYS support the efforts of someone raising awareness on the victim!!!!
As for Anonymous coming to Columbiana County, I support that as well.
They have been able to do in one visit to Steubenville more than I have been able to do in 6+ years of being out in the public.
The VICTIM IS THE VICTIM!!!
As for the political end, I do not know all of the facts except what is public. I do know that they tried to discourage this young girl from going public, I do know that she was let down by the very system put in place to protect her and I do know that this case is getting National attention and for ONCE.....people may understand what a victim actually is.
No one innocent has EVER been targeted by Anonymous. They don't rely on gossip or unconfirmed reports.
IF they are coming here, they have PROOF of some wrong-doing by someone. They ONLY care about the victims and their families and making sure that when people are employed to do a job to protect innocent people, whether it is the public, elderly, rape or homicide victims, minor children, military, etc.) They come to provide "Strength in numbers" and if someone is getting paid to protect and they are NOT doing that, they have no business being there.
It isn't a "Witch Hunt" people! It is an answer. It is a chance to get on board and stand up for what is right. It is TIME!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Cause of death: blunt force
December 11, 2012
,
Morning Journal News
LISBON - A week after her death, authorities released new
information into what caused the death of Melinda Todd, 43, in her Salem
Township home on state Route 45.
Columbiana County Sheriff Ray Stone said Monday investigators learned last week the woman did not die of gunshot wounds as was previously believed. Instead, the fatal injuries to Todd and head injuries to her grandson, Cole Reed, were both caused by blunt force trauma or beating.
Reed survived his injuries after he underwent surgery at Akron Children's Hospital last Monday. After the 5-year-old regained consciousness, investigators were trying to gain information from the boy late last week. He reportedly was able to provide "thumbs up and thumbs down" responses.
While the evidence at the scene last Monday night and even an initial doctor's report suggested a firearm had been used in the crime, Stone said it was later learned that it was not the case. Todd's body was sent to the Summit County Coroner's Office, where the next day a pathologist made the determination of blunt force trauma.
Stone said he has received the verbal confirmation about the cause of death, but had not yet received a copy of the coroner's preliminary report. The information was withheld to the public last week due to the pending investigation by the sheriff's office, he said.
Stone declined to give any details about what type of item was used as a weapon to beat Todd to death, which according to a press release is being investigated as a homicide.
The cause of death would explain why neighbors in the area told deputies after the crime they did not hear any gunshots fired, despite the closeness of neighboring homes. Additionally, investigators were unable to recover any shell casings at the home.
On Friday, members of the Homicide Task Force checked the sides of the roadway along state Route 45 south of Todd's home at the corner of Salmar Drive toward the area of the road known as ski slope hill. It is unknown if the weapon or any evidence was discovered during that time.
At least three search warrants were requested in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court early last week. It is not known if any or all of them are involved in this case.
Detectives with the sheriff's department continued with interviews on Monday and are looking at a person of interest, but no arrest reportedly has been made.
Columbiana County Sheriff Ray Stone said Monday investigators learned last week the woman did not die of gunshot wounds as was previously believed. Instead, the fatal injuries to Todd and head injuries to her grandson, Cole Reed, were both caused by blunt force trauma or beating.
Reed survived his injuries after he underwent surgery at Akron Children's Hospital last Monday. After the 5-year-old regained consciousness, investigators were trying to gain information from the boy late last week. He reportedly was able to provide "thumbs up and thumbs down" responses.
While the evidence at the scene last Monday night and even an initial doctor's report suggested a firearm had been used in the crime, Stone said it was later learned that it was not the case. Todd's body was sent to the Summit County Coroner's Office, where the next day a pathologist made the determination of blunt force trauma.
Stone said he has received the verbal confirmation about the cause of death, but had not yet received a copy of the coroner's preliminary report. The information was withheld to the public last week due to the pending investigation by the sheriff's office, he said.
Stone declined to give any details about what type of item was used as a weapon to beat Todd to death, which according to a press release is being investigated as a homicide.
The cause of death would explain why neighbors in the area told deputies after the crime they did not hear any gunshots fired, despite the closeness of neighboring homes. Additionally, investigators were unable to recover any shell casings at the home.
On Friday, members of the Homicide Task Force checked the sides of the roadway along state Route 45 south of Todd's home at the corner of Salmar Drive toward the area of the road known as ski slope hill. It is unknown if the weapon or any evidence was discovered during that time.
At least three search warrants were requested in Columbiana County Common Pleas Court early last week. It is not known if any or all of them are involved in this case.
Detectives with the sheriff's department continued with interviews on Monday and are looking at a person of interest, but no arrest reportedly has been made.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Boy fights for his life
December 5, 2012
,
Morning Journal News
LISBON - Investigators continued Tuesday to investigate a
shooting Monday afternoon which killed a state Route 45 woman and left
her 5-year-old grandson injured with head wounds.
The woman has been identified as Melinda Todd, 43, and the boy as Cole Tyler Reed.
Monday afternoon, the boy was transported to Salem Community Hospital and flown to Akron Children's Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Chris Milsom, a grandfather of the boy, said Tuesday night the boy was in "very critical" condition and had been baptized at the hospital that evening. Milsom, who had just returned from the hospital, said any reports the child had died are erroneous, although the left side of the boy's head was "shot off."
"I hope everyone is praying for him," Milsom said. "He's critical, but he's a tough little guy."
Milsom identified his stepson as the boy's biological father, but said the father has not been in the boy's life. Despite that, Milsom said the boy's father was released from jail Tuesday due to his son battling for his life in Akron. The grandfather credited the staff at Akron Children's Hospital with giving the boy the best care and said he has hopes the sheriff's department can track down the person responsible for the killing of Todd and injuries to the boy.
Milsom has spoke with investigators himself, reportedly telling them about two green vehicles which had been at the home. The first he described as a green SUV was there on Sunday when he and his wife dropped off Cole at Melinda's home.
"There was a guy there with nasty tattoos, who wouldn't even look at my wife," Milsom said.
Secondly, Milsom said another person saw a man with a three-day beard in a four-door, green car, possibly a Chevrolet, "beating the crap out of the steering wheel" and talking on a cell phone in the area of Melinda Todd's home on Monday. When the man saw someone watching him, he reportedly took off at a high rate of speed.
Sheriff Ray Stone said Tuesday the department was looking initially for a green SUV on Monday, but had already started on other leads. He had four investigators continuing to follow up on leads and reinterview people throughout the afternoon on Tuesday.
Investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation continued to look for evidence at the house, located at the intersection of state Route 45 and Salmar Drive.
Both Stone and the county coroner's office refused to identify the victims of the shooting at this time. Stone said he wanted to be certain all family members have been notified by the coroner's office before any confirmation could be made. Various news media outlets, including the Journal's news partner, WKBN Channel 27, identified the two early in the day Tuesday.
WKBN reported a 911 call came from a neighbor's house where two small girls ran after discovering the body of their mother. Stone had confirmed a 12-year-old girl had discovered the scene.
"My mother and my brother ... bleeding really bad, too," the voice of a girl reportedly told dispatchers.
Unfortunately, the family has already known tragedy in 2010. Cole is the eldest son of Miranda V. Todd, 24, who was convicted in June of murdering her youngest child, 7-month-old Derek Dennison in 2010. Todd is currently serving 18 years to life in the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. An appeal of her conviction is still pending.
Melinda Todd had testified during her daughter's jury trial, stating at one point Miranda Todd had gone out about two weeks after Cole was born and then called Melinda to say she was not coming back. Cole had been raised by his grandmother, who in court said Miranda would come to visit on occasion, but Cole considered her as more of a sister.
The woman has been identified as Melinda Todd, 43, and the boy as Cole Tyler Reed.
Monday afternoon, the boy was transported to Salem Community Hospital and flown to Akron Children's Hospital where he underwent surgery.
Chris Milsom, a grandfather of the boy, said Tuesday night the boy was in "very critical" condition and had been baptized at the hospital that evening. Milsom, who had just returned from the hospital, said any reports the child had died are erroneous, although the left side of the boy's head was "shot off."
"I hope everyone is praying for him," Milsom said. "He's critical, but he's a tough little guy."
Milsom identified his stepson as the boy's biological father, but said the father has not been in the boy's life. Despite that, Milsom said the boy's father was released from jail Tuesday due to his son battling for his life in Akron. The grandfather credited the staff at Akron Children's Hospital with giving the boy the best care and said he has hopes the sheriff's department can track down the person responsible for the killing of Todd and injuries to the boy.
Milsom has spoke with investigators himself, reportedly telling them about two green vehicles which had been at the home. The first he described as a green SUV was there on Sunday when he and his wife dropped off Cole at Melinda's home.
"There was a guy there with nasty tattoos, who wouldn't even look at my wife," Milsom said.
Secondly, Milsom said another person saw a man with a three-day beard in a four-door, green car, possibly a Chevrolet, "beating the crap out of the steering wheel" and talking on a cell phone in the area of Melinda Todd's home on Monday. When the man saw someone watching him, he reportedly took off at a high rate of speed.
Sheriff Ray Stone said Tuesday the department was looking initially for a green SUV on Monday, but had already started on other leads. He had four investigators continuing to follow up on leads and reinterview people throughout the afternoon on Tuesday.
Investigators from the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation continued to look for evidence at the house, located at the intersection of state Route 45 and Salmar Drive.
Both Stone and the county coroner's office refused to identify the victims of the shooting at this time. Stone said he wanted to be certain all family members have been notified by the coroner's office before any confirmation could be made. Various news media outlets, including the Journal's news partner, WKBN Channel 27, identified the two early in the day Tuesday.
WKBN reported a 911 call came from a neighbor's house where two small girls ran after discovering the body of their mother. Stone had confirmed a 12-year-old girl had discovered the scene.
"My mother and my brother ... bleeding really bad, too," the voice of a girl reportedly told dispatchers.
Unfortunately, the family has already known tragedy in 2010. Cole is the eldest son of Miranda V. Todd, 24, who was convicted in June of murdering her youngest child, 7-month-old Derek Dennison in 2010. Todd is currently serving 18 years to life in the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. An appeal of her conviction is still pending.
Melinda Todd had testified during her daughter's jury trial, stating at one point Miranda Todd had gone out about two weeks after Cole was born and then called Melinda to say she was not coming back. Cole had been raised by his grandmother, who in court said Miranda would come to visit on occasion, but Cole considered her as more of a sister.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Columbiana County Sheriff Needs Your Help!!
Investigators Looking For Leads in Salem Murder
12/4/12 10:44 AM
Columbiana County Sheriffs are looking for other leads Tuesday in the fatal shooting of a woman and her 5-year-old relative.
The sheriff’s department sent out a bulletin early Tuesday to local police to look for a man in his 30s who could be armed with a shotgun. Investigators then said they are no longer looking for the car or the man described in the bulletin after they received other information in the case.
The bulletin said the man, who they didn’t immediately name, is in his 30s with tattoos on his arms chest and neck and was driving a dark green to medium green SUV, possibly a GMC Jimmy or Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The shooting took place at about 4 p.m. Monday at a home at 2338 state Route 45 in Salem. Investigators said a 12-year-old girl getting off the school bus and discovered the bodies.
Police said the boy was shot in the head. He was initially taken to Salem City Hospital and then flown to Akron Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
The woman, who police said is in her mid-40s to mid-50s and that the child is related to the slain woman.
Investigators have not released the boy’s name or the name of the woman killed.
The sheriff’s department sent out a bulletin early Tuesday to local police to look for a man in his 30s who could be armed with a shotgun. Investigators then said they are no longer looking for the car or the man described in the bulletin after they received other information in the case.
The bulletin said the man, who they didn’t immediately name, is in his 30s with tattoos on his arms chest and neck and was driving a dark green to medium green SUV, possibly a GMC Jimmy or Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The shooting took place at about 4 p.m. Monday at a home at 2338 state Route 45 in Salem. Investigators said a 12-year-old girl getting off the school bus and discovered the bodies.
Police said the boy was shot in the head. He was initially taken to Salem City Hospital and then flown to Akron Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery.
The woman, who police said is in her mid-40s to mid-50s and that the child is related to the slain woman.
Investigators have not released the boy’s name or the name of the woman killed.
Salem Township shooting
Salem Township shooting
December 4, 2012
,
SALEM - A woman is dead and a 5-year-old boy is hospitalized
Monday night following a shooting incident in their Salem Township home.
Sheriff Ray Stone said deputies were called to the house at 2338 state Route 45 at about 4:15 p.m. to a reported shooting. A 12-year-old girl had gotten off a school bus, Stone said, when the horrific scene was found.
Two deputies arrived ahead of Stone and the three of them went inside finding an unidentified woman dead of a gunshot wound. Stone declined to provide any specific details as to where the woman was shot.
A neighbor was with the 5-year-old boy, who was shot in the head. The
boy was initially transported to Salem Community Hospital and flown
later to an Akron hospital where he underwent surgery later Monday
evening.
Stone believes there are three children living in the home and the whereabouts of all the children was known Monday evening. Stone estimated the woman to be between the mid-40s and mid-50s. He also said the child and woman are related, but declined to give the relationship.
The sheriff said he was not aware if there are any other adults who have been living in the home.
The house, a ranch with an attached garage, is located on the northeast corner of state Route 45 and Salamar Drive, near Kent State-Salem.
According to tax records, the home is owned by Neil Jordan in care of Tradewinds Investments, Palm Springs, Calif.
Stone said there had been past complaints at the home mostly dealt with by the Salem Township constable. However, Stone believed new people had moved into the home since then.
The new Columbiana County Homicide Task Force was called to the scene. Consisting of members from different departments county-wide, Stone said various members of the task force were out following up on leads late Monday evening. However, he said there is no suspect at this time and no weapon was found.
Additionally the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, Columbiana County Coroner William Graham and County Prosecutor Robert Herron were assisting at the home. KLG transported the woman's body toward Salem.
Sheriff Ray Stone said deputies were called to the house at 2338 state Route 45 at about 4:15 p.m. to a reported shooting. A 12-year-old girl had gotten off a school bus, Stone said, when the horrific scene was found.
Two deputies arrived ahead of Stone and the three of them went inside finding an unidentified woman dead of a gunshot wound. Stone declined to provide any specific details as to where the woman was shot.
Article Photos
Morning Journal/Deanne Johnson
County Prosecutor Robert Herron (foreground) and investigators enter a state Route 45 home that was the scene of a shooting Monday.
County Prosecutor Robert Herron (foreground) and investigators enter a state Route 45 home that was the scene of a shooting Monday.
Stone believes there are three children living in the home and the whereabouts of all the children was known Monday evening. Stone estimated the woman to be between the mid-40s and mid-50s. He also said the child and woman are related, but declined to give the relationship.
The sheriff said he was not aware if there are any other adults who have been living in the home.
The house, a ranch with an attached garage, is located on the northeast corner of state Route 45 and Salamar Drive, near Kent State-Salem.
According to tax records, the home is owned by Neil Jordan in care of Tradewinds Investments, Palm Springs, Calif.
Stone said there had been past complaints at the home mostly dealt with by the Salem Township constable. However, Stone believed new people had moved into the home since then.
The new Columbiana County Homicide Task Force was called to the scene. Consisting of members from different departments county-wide, Stone said various members of the task force were out following up on leads late Monday evening. However, he said there is no suspect at this time and no weapon was found.
Additionally the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, Columbiana County Coroner William Graham and County Prosecutor Robert Herron were assisting at the home. KLG transported the woman's body toward Salem.
Man shot in head walks to hospital
Man shot in head walks to hospital
December 4, 2012
,
EAST LIVERPOOL -A man shot in the head Monday morning was flown
by helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital after first walking on his own
into East Liverpool City Hospital.
"The victim's not cooperating," police Chief John Lane said Monday concerning Douglas "Fresh" Austin, 29, whose last known address was in Columbus.
Austin walked into the local hospital at about 8:42 a.m., suffering from a single shot to the forehead which apparently left the bullet lodged inside his head, according to police.
He initially told police the shooting did not happen inside the city, but Lane said other people indicated it had occurred at 2616 Michigan Ave., a residence owned by George Pugh and occupied by Dave Pugh.
Police said Austin reportedly got a ride to the Sixth Street area then walked to the hospital.
Officers went to the East End home, where they reported finding blood spatters and bloody clothing outside on a staircase.
A man and woman inside were taken to the police station for questioning and then released, according to detectives.
Armed with a search warrant out of East Liverpool Municipal Court Monday afternoon, officers searched the house, looking for evidence of the shooting, but afterward said none was found inside.
Lane said police believe the shooting may be drug-related, saying Austin was one of three men inside a Bradshaw Avenue home raided by several law enforcement agencies Nov. 16 and saying that he has been involved in other drug activities in the city.
Although police said Austin had been flown to UPMC in Pittsburgh, a spokesman there said there was no patient by that name at the hospital Monday night.
At last report, he was still alive, according to police.
While officers were investigating the shooting, a car drove through the neighborhood and appeared to be headed toward the Michigan Avenue residence, according to Lane, who said it was stopped by an officer after learning it had been reported stolen by its owner, Harold Kidder.
Lane said Kidder's family had also reported him missing and had come to the police station to file a report. However, they then saw him walking down Dresden Avenue from the East Liverpool Motor Lodge.
According to police, he had spent the night at the motel with a woman who then took his car and his credit cards.
The woman, Alyssa Beaver, age and address not reported, will be charged with receiving stolen property, driving under suspension and possession of drug abuse instruments in relation to needles reportedly found in her possession.
Her passenger, Jason Garland, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
Detectives indicated the stolen car did not appear to be involved with the shooting incident, which remains under investigation.
"The victim's not cooperating," police Chief John Lane said Monday concerning Douglas "Fresh" Austin, 29, whose last known address was in Columbus.
Austin walked into the local hospital at about 8:42 a.m., suffering from a single shot to the forehead which apparently left the bullet lodged inside his head, according to police.
He initially told police the shooting did not happen inside the city, but Lane said other people indicated it had occurred at 2616 Michigan Ave., a residence owned by George Pugh and occupied by Dave Pugh.
Police said Austin reportedly got a ride to the Sixth Street area then walked to the hospital.
Officers went to the East End home, where they reported finding blood spatters and bloody clothing outside on a staircase.
A man and woman inside were taken to the police station for questioning and then released, according to detectives.
Armed with a search warrant out of East Liverpool Municipal Court Monday afternoon, officers searched the house, looking for evidence of the shooting, but afterward said none was found inside.
Lane said police believe the shooting may be drug-related, saying Austin was one of three men inside a Bradshaw Avenue home raided by several law enforcement agencies Nov. 16 and saying that he has been involved in other drug activities in the city.
Although police said Austin had been flown to UPMC in Pittsburgh, a spokesman there said there was no patient by that name at the hospital Monday night.
At last report, he was still alive, according to police.
While officers were investigating the shooting, a car drove through the neighborhood and appeared to be headed toward the Michigan Avenue residence, according to Lane, who said it was stopped by an officer after learning it had been reported stolen by its owner, Harold Kidder.
Lane said Kidder's family had also reported him missing and had come to the police station to file a report. However, they then saw him walking down Dresden Avenue from the East Liverpool Motor Lodge.
According to police, he had spent the night at the motel with a woman who then took his car and his credit cards.
The woman, Alyssa Beaver, age and address not reported, will be charged with receiving stolen property, driving under suspension and possession of drug abuse instruments in relation to needles reportedly found in her possession.
Her passenger, Jason Garland, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant.
Detectives indicated the stolen car did not appear to be involved with the shooting incident, which remains under investigation.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!!
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving and the Christmas Season, please keep in your hearts the families of those people on this site.
Holidays are a HUGE struggle for them and any extra blessings and prayers will be appreciated.
Enjoy your families but also remember those of us that have lost someone.
Sometimes the sadness is overwhelming.
Hug your loved ones and always remember to tell them that you love them. You never know when it may be the last time you get the opportunity
I am sending all of the love I can to each and every person that has ever lost someone they love to violence.
And PLEASE!!! If you know anything about any of these crimes, do the right thing this holiday and come forward. It will be the best thing you ever did and you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Best Wishes from all of us at CCFHV, Inc. Because here...."Why Matters!"
Holidays are a HUGE struggle for them and any extra blessings and prayers will be appreciated.
Enjoy your families but also remember those of us that have lost someone.
Sometimes the sadness is overwhelming.
Hug your loved ones and always remember to tell them that you love them. You never know when it may be the last time you get the opportunity
I am sending all of the love I can to each and every person that has ever lost someone they love to violence.
And PLEASE!!! If you know anything about any of these crimes, do the right thing this holiday and come forward. It will be the best thing you ever did and you will be surprised at how much better you feel.
Best Wishes from all of us at CCFHV, Inc. Because here...."Why Matters!"
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Gary Paulin
Finally, the Paulin family can get some peace!
Indicted in 2008 death
October 2, 2012
,
Morning Journal News
LISBON - A Hanoverton man faces vehicular homicide charges nearly
four years after the death of Gary Paulin, a Lisbon man killed in a
hit-skip accident on U.S. Route 30 near state Route 172.
Jeffrey L. House, 47, last known address Canal Street, Hanoverton, was indicted last week by the Columbiana County grand jury. He was arrested this past weekend.
House faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one a first degree felony and the other a second degree felony. Additionally, he is charged with a third degree felony for failing to stop after the accident.
The first vehicular homicide charge alleges House was intoxicated and driving under suspension at the time of the crash on Nov. 23, 2008.
Newspaper accounts from the time state at 1:47 a.m. a westbound F-150 pickup truck owned by Hallie House went left of center striking head-on the 1990 Chevrolet Tracker driven by Paulin. The driver of the pickup fled on foot, while Paulin, 53, died at the scene of the crash.
Jeffrey House, Hallie House's husband at the time, reported at 2:37 a.m. to Lisbon police the pickup had been stolen. The highway patrol investigators reportedly determined Jeffrey House had been driving the pickup earlier the evening of Nov. 22. He claimed to have driven the vehicle to the home of Sam Stacy in Lisbon, left the keys in the pickup and the two of them went to Night Court bar.
House claimed at the time, when they returned to Stacy's home at 1:50 a.m. the pickup was gone. He also had explained a cut on his left arm and bruise on his hip as happening while returning from the Night Court by slipping on the edge of Stacy's porch.
In 2010, Paulin's sister, Patricia L. Hall of Lisbon, along with Paulin's car insurance company, Motorists Mutual Insurance, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against House. The matter had been set for a jury trial for Jan. 10, 2012, but was dismissed in December.
Paulin left behind a wife, Theresa; four sisters, Patricia Hall, Barbara May, Margaret Scullion and Judy Altman; and a brother, Donald.
Jeffrey L. House, 47, last known address Canal Street, Hanoverton, was indicted last week by the Columbiana County grand jury. He was arrested this past weekend.
House faces two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one a first degree felony and the other a second degree felony. Additionally, he is charged with a third degree felony for failing to stop after the accident.
The first vehicular homicide charge alleges House was intoxicated and driving under suspension at the time of the crash on Nov. 23, 2008.
Newspaper accounts from the time state at 1:47 a.m. a westbound F-150 pickup truck owned by Hallie House went left of center striking head-on the 1990 Chevrolet Tracker driven by Paulin. The driver of the pickup fled on foot, while Paulin, 53, died at the scene of the crash.
Jeffrey House, Hallie House's husband at the time, reported at 2:37 a.m. to Lisbon police the pickup had been stolen. The highway patrol investigators reportedly determined Jeffrey House had been driving the pickup earlier the evening of Nov. 22. He claimed to have driven the vehicle to the home of Sam Stacy in Lisbon, left the keys in the pickup and the two of them went to Night Court bar.
House claimed at the time, when they returned to Stacy's home at 1:50 a.m. the pickup was gone. He also had explained a cut on his left arm and bruise on his hip as happening while returning from the Night Court by slipping on the edge of Stacy's porch.
In 2010, Paulin's sister, Patricia L. Hall of Lisbon, along with Paulin's car insurance company, Motorists Mutual Insurance, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against House. The matter had been set for a jury trial for Jan. 10, 2012, but was dismissed in December.
Paulin left behind a wife, Theresa; four sisters, Patricia Hall, Barbara May, Margaret Scullion and Judy Altman; and a brother, Donald.
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