Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Cause of death: blunt force


December 11, 2012
By DEANNE JOHNSON - Staff Writer (djohnson@mojonews.com) , 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.
 

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

1st time commenting on a post - I am from the area and live out of state now and your blog really helps me stay up to date with unfortunatley tragic events in the area - I thank you for your hard work.....

My question on this whole story - is the "word on the street" this entire thing is related to her daughter and her charges? Or was it drug related?? (read somewhere that suspected she was selling/using drugs and they came to house not knowing boy would be there) Just wondering what the heck is going on there! I moved away 10 years ago and it seems the area is becoming more Youngstown like with crime. It is sad. I hope the boy recovers and gets as far away from danger as he can.

Belinda Puchajda said...

There are a lot of rumors floating around. Basically, we do not know what the circumstances are yet. I have heard they have a person of interest but that is the only details they are releasing at this time. I pray they catch whoever is responsible and I have heard that Cole, the little boy is recovering, so that is very good news!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the response Belinda - I will continue to check your site for updates. You are doing a good service to a lot of families who have lost loved ones by keeping their stories alive. I am sure there are MANY emotions when doing a site like this and I for one thank you for all your work!

I read about the person of interest too - and have read the rumors (amazing what you learn from online news story comments!) Will keep my thoughts with Cole and that the good spirits in this world take care of him.

I am guessing they think this is someone who knows her and not just a random act of violence.

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Anonymous said...

Such a tragedy to think someone actually took the time to beat not just the grandmother but the 5yr old too.
I know she wasn't perfect but no one deserves to be beaten to death.
One suspect seems to be on everyones mind but I hope they check everyone completely and the responsible person doesn't get away.
They need to check her history and question old neighbors from when she lived on vine street in Lisbon.
what about her brother who use to live with her in Lisbon?
Have they questioned the old tenants of the home?
Maybe one of the daughters might know of someone who had words with their mom?
Mr K seems to be the prime suspect. Green vehicle and tats.
Hopefully they have fingerprints or something and the monster is caught real soon.

Anonymous said...

As citizens, we put all of our faith and trust into the people who are sworn by oath to serve and protect us. Please do not let us down. Regardless of who did what in this situation, a woman is dead and a 5 year old innocent little boy's life will never be the same. May God be with you as you work diligently to determine the person/people involved. God bless Cole and those surrounding him giving him the best care possible as he continues to recover.

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Anonymous said...

It's a horrifying thing that I can't get out of my mind. I feel so bad for this family....God rest this lady's soul...n bring peace to this family with justice being served. I hope Cole can find some sort of happiness n find great people tocare for him when he recovers. So many rumors have escalated over this. I even heard my ex was involved and went straight to detectives over this. No matter who killed Mindy and nearly killed Cole....justice needs to be brought. Mr K did try to kill his parents in school....I know that for a fact. And my ex...he has left scars on my face. Whoever it is....let them be brought to face their wrongdoings. I feel that wrong as a community need to pull together....let any sort of info or tips be known....or this will go as another murder unsolved. I would love to help out in any way I can with things for all these unsolved murders. Please....ssh a concerned citizen in this county....let me know if there is anything I can do to help out.

Anonymous said...

Lots of rumors going around. Being both Lisbon and Salem are not that big some one knows who did this.
I was wondering since the college is nearby if they have cameras around the outside of the school that might help in some way? Maybe a vehicle sitting or turning around or one that is out of place?
Another rumor I heard but have they looked into there possibly being more than one person who did this? We all know a Mr. "K" was interviewed and released but what about a Mr. "D"? Did they check the victims cell phone records? There has to be fingerprints left at the scene.
I hope and pray this doesn't turn into another unsolved case.
Praying the family will get closure soon.

Soni said...

They know what happened here..there is enough evidence to bring this guy to justice..someone needs to be reminded there is no such thing as a perfect case. ..

Anonymous said...

Justice for Mindy and Cole.
They are still crossing "T"s and dotting "I"s.
Like everyone else has said someone knows something and needs to step up.