The tragic 1965 shooting of teenager Ronnie Weigand remains a haunting, unsolved Tuscarawas County mystery. On the afternoon of July 29, 1965, 16-year-old Ronald “Ronnie” Weigand (1948-1965) left his home with a sense of accomplishment. Just that morning, he had received credits from summer school, officially making him a senior for the upcoming fall term.Continue reading “Field of Mystery: The 1965 Killing of Ronald Weigand”
Tag Archives: true crime blog
A Veteran’s Final Battle: The Murder of George LeMasters
New Philadelphia WWII veteran George Jasper LeMasters was tragically murdered during a robbery at a Canton hotel. George Jasper LeMasters (1906–1950), known to many as “Jap,” was born in Union Township, Tuscarawas County. His early life was marked by tragedy when his father, Ernest LeMasters (1877–1918), was killed in a mine accident when George wasContinue reading “A Veteran’s Final Battle: The Murder of George LeMasters”
“Unsolved”: The 1946 Killing of Woodrow Coker
A star athlete and World War Two soldier survived the battlefields of the Pacific only to meet a tragic fate in the comfort of his hometown. On the night of March 20, 1946, Woodrow “Buster” Coker (1918–1946), a decorated World War II veteran and celebrated former Newcomerstown high school athlete, walked home from his shiftContinue reading ““Unsolved”: The 1946 Killing of Woodrow Coker”
A Killing on 9th Street: The 1918 Death of Albert Cordrey
A fatal 1918 lawn-mowing dispute leads to a sensational manslaughter trial and ultimate exoneration. The life of Nellie Rhodes Claycomb (1886-1934) took a dramatic turn several years after her marriage to George A. Claycomb (1890-1953) on October 21, 1913. George was originally from Oklahoma, and Nellie was a housewife who already had a daughter fromContinue reading “A Killing on 9th Street: The 1918 Death of Albert Cordrey”
The Twin City Bomber: The Life and Crimes of George McKane
A lifetime criminal terrorized the Twin Cities with a series of random bombings in the 1920s. George McKane (1887-1937) was born in Dennison, Ohio, to Jeremiah “Jerry” McKane (1846-1920) and Christena Koontz McKane (1850-1907). He grew up in a large family that included his five siblings, three sisters and two brothers. His criminal reputation beganContinue reading “The Twin City Bomber: The Life and Crimes of George McKane”
Mineral City Shaken: The Blast of 1933
A failed suicide attempt sparked a devastating explosion, a mysterious disappearance, and a bizarre kidnapping hoax. Content warning: This post contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Click here for resources to find helpContinue reading “Mineral City Shaken: The Blast of 1933”
Mystery on Factory Street: The 1930 Death of Gilbert Lloyd
Eight bullet holes, a fatal 1930 “accident,” and the constable who walked away entirely free. Gilbert Sunkle Lloyd (1899-1930) was a Cleveland native who established a life in Dover, Ohio, as a family man and business owner. Lloyd was a well-known local figure, operating a gas station on the 300 block of Factory Street whileContinue reading “Mystery on Factory Street: The 1930 Death of Gilbert Lloyd”
Fight of His Life: The 1915 Trial of Frank Rose
A young Italian laborer fought for his life twice; first in a Bolivar boarding house and then in a court of law. Frank Rose (1895-?), born Francesco Russo in Caronia, Italy, immigrated to the United States aboard the S.S. Italia, arriving at the Port of New York in April 1913. A laborer described as 5’4”Continue reading “Fight of His Life: The 1915 Trial of Frank Rose”
Death at the Packing Plant: The 1941 Killing of Ferdinand Sandry
Workplace ‘kidding’ at a Dennison meat packing plant in the spring of 1941 sparked a fatal explosion of violence. Frank McGuire (1895-1955), born in Tuscarawas County, was a long-time resident of the Dennison area with a diverse work history. He married Emma Robinson (1898-1970) in 1914 and supported his family through various roles including clayContinue reading “Death at the Packing Plant: The 1941 Killing of Ferdinand Sandry”
The 1914 Killing of Joseph Reed on Beaver Avenue
A New Philadelphia teen desperately defended his family from his abusive stepfather. Content warning: The following story contains references to domestic violence. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence and need help, please visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The story begins with Catherine Swan Nelson (1867-1957), a Swedish immigrant who, after being widowed fromContinue reading “The 1914 Killing of Joseph Reed on Beaver Avenue”
Tuscarawas County Stories 