Case files
The Death of Amy Jo Nelson Still Haunts Perry County
Unsolved Tragedy: The Death of Amy Jo Nelson Still Haunts Perry County
Over seven years have passed since 39-year-old Amy Jo Nelson of New Straitsville, Ohio, was found dead in a small Main Street apartment. Yet, her family—and the Perry County community—are still waiting for answers.
Born March 11, 1978, in Logan, Amy grew up in Perry County, graduating from Miller High School in 1996 before earning a degree from Hocking College. Despite lifelong health struggles—believed to be linked to lupus—Amy was known for her humor, strength, and devotion to her daughters, Suri and Allie. Her family describes her as “the sweetest person you could ever meet” with a “heart that loved without limits.”
On September 18, 2017, Amy’s life was tragically cut short.
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The Morning Everything Changed
At 10:47 a.m., a 911 call was placed from the Main Street apartment reporting that Amy had been found unresponsive. Her boyfriend—who had spent the night with her—told authorities that she had “passed away in her sleep” or suffered a fall.
When New Straitsville Police arrived, they initially suspected a drug overdose, citing Amy’s past use of prescription and nonprescription medications for chronic pain. The scene was not immediately secured, and according to family members, someone was cleaning the apartment while her body was still present.
Shortly after 11 a.m., Amy’s mother, Pam Nelson, and sister, Abbie Vann, arrived after receiving a call from Amy’s phone. The moment they saw her, they knew something was terribly wrong.
“She had visible facial injuries,” Abbie recalled. “It was clear this wasn’t a simple fall or overdose. We begged police to call BCI, but they refused. They said, ‘There’s no crime scene, ma’am.’”
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Autopsy Reveals the Truth
The Perry County Coroner, Dr. Bradley Wilson, later ruled Amy’s death a homicide. His report documented repeated blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in extensive injuries inconsistent with a fall or overdose.
Toxicology testing found prescribed and nonprescribed medications in her system—likely related to her chronic illness—but none at fatal levels. The cause of death was blunt force injury, not drugs.
The autopsy findings shifted the investigation from a presumed overdose to a homicide, but by then, potential evidence at the scene may have been lost.
“This case could’ve been solved early if the scene had been handled right,” Abbie said. “Instead, we’re seven years in, and we’re still begging for justice.”
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Investigation Stalled
After the coroner’s findings, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) became involved. However, progress has been slow. The case remains unsolved—no arrests, no named suspects, and no public updates since 2025.
The case, listed as #3253 in the Ohio Attorney General’s Cold Case Unit, has become a symbol of frustration for families seeking justice in small-town Ohio.
Amy’s family believes the motive may have involved her access to pain medication, suggesting multiple individuals could have been involved. They have conducted their own research—interviewing witnesses, gathering public records, and pushing law enforcement for renewed attention.
Pam Nelson has vowed not to stop:
“We’re not going to give up. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out who killed her. We just need the system to care enough to finish the job.”
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Renewed Attention Through Media and Podcasts
Amy’s story has recently regained attention through true crime podcasts and local media.
In June 2025, NBC4’s Unsolved Ohio aired a segment highlighting the case, featuring emotional interviews with Pam and Abbie. Earlier coverage included a 2020 10TV report and a 2021 episode of the “Catch My Killer” podcast, both of which emphasized the autopsy findings and mishandling of the original scene.
More recently, in October 2024, the podcast Death, Lies, and Alibis aired an episode titled “A Killer Walks Free: The Amy Jo Nelson Case.” The hour-long episode painted a haunting portrait of a small town struggling with addiction, silence, and justice denied.
Podcast host Christy summed it up:
“Beneath the surface of small-town America lies a darkness that few dare to confront. Amy Jo’s story reminds us how easily a tragedy can be forgotten when accountability fades.”
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A Family’s Plea for Justice
To this day, Amy’s family meets monthly with a sheriff’s detective, continuing to push for progress. They have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
“We think about her every day,” Pam Nelson said. “She didn’t deserve this. She deserves justice.”
Anyone with information about the death of Amy Jo Nelson is urged to contact the Perry County Sheriff’s Office at 740-342-4123 or the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446).
As the years pass and memories fade, one truth remains clear: the family of Amy Jo Nelson will not rest until the person—or people—responsible for her death are brought to justice.
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If you have tips or information related to this case, reach out to local law enforcement or the BCI tip line. Even the smallest detail could help bring closure to a family that’s been waiting far too long.
Links
Death lies & alibis
https://youtu.be/AX3y_fUFMrQ?si=XilGn5rIjQNFuMjW
https://youtu.be/_sYUhzS20dg?si=kntAvIcJygT3a2xO
https://youtu.be/q3aNGEhsSeA?si=dLEKMUY5B8veyJIm
https://youtu.be/ffO1fLyaIgE?si=neE3dwP3Q1i7di1F
10TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4UjHGgY_zo
https://youtu.be/Y4UjHGgY_zo?si=vcY1LsgjF35npeDQ
NBC
Culpable podcast
https://culpablepodcast.com/episode/amy-jo-nelson/
Ohio AG
Apple podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/case-review-amy-jo-nelson/id1466330985?i=1000626403330&l=fr-FR
The Perry County, tribune
Zanesville Time recorder
Legacy
Catchmykiller.com
Case files as of October 2, 2025 Murder, overdose, Vehicular assault and more.
Case files as of October 2, 2025
Murder, overdose, Vehicular assault and more.
1. Jack Andrew Long — Murder of Dawn A. Cox, Crooksville, Ohio
• What happened: On a Friday in late January 2022, 49-year-old Dawn A. Cox was shot in her home on Sycamore Avenue in Crooksville. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) later confirmed that Jack Andrew Long was arrested and charged with murder and felonious assault in her death.
• Where & when: The shooting took place at 243 Sycamore Avenue, Crooksville. Arrest was reported on about January 24, 2022.
• Legal status: As of the last reliable reports, Jack Long was being held in the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail, and was scheduled to appear in Perry County Court. The case appears to have been in early stages in terms of court proceedings.
• What is uncertain / under investigation:
• Motive: What led to the shooting has not been clearly reported (at least in public sources).
• Evidence: It’s not clear yet what physical or forensic evidence has been gathered (e.g. ballistics, eyewitnesses).
• Outcome: I do not see a final conviction or sentencing reported, so the ultimate resolution (trial, plea, etc.) is not yet confirmed in available public sources.
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2. Trevor J. Hinkle — Overdose Deaths and Fentanyl Conviction
This is one of the more documented cases, with multiple sources.
• Defendant / Accused: Trevor J. Hinkle, of Crooksville, Ohio.
• What he was charged with:
• Two counts of corrupting another with drugs (a felony)
• Two counts of involuntary manslaughter (first-degree felonies)
• Other related drug charges were originally part of the indictments.
• Victims: Two individuals died after overdosing on fentanyl that was provided by Hinkle. The names identified in the reports are Laikyn Wisecarverand Larry Compton.
• Timeline & legal proceedings:
1. Indictment: In 2021, a Muskingum County Grand Jury indicted Hinkle (in case numbers CR2021-0255 and CR2021-0257) on the various counts including involuntary manslaughter and corrupting another with drugs.
2. Plea: On July 19, 2021, Hinkle pleaded guilty in both cases to two counts in each for corrupting another with drugs and involuntary manslaughter; other counts were dismissed in plea negotiations.
3. Sentencing: On May 2, 2022, Hinkle was sentenced to 8 to 12 years in prison.
4. Appeal / Motion to withdraw plea: In 2024, Hinkle filed a motion to withdraw his guilty plea, alleging that his legal counsel was ineffective, that certain key evidence (e.g. toxicology reports, possibly death certificates) had been withheld, and that he did not fully understand the charges. The appeals court, however, denied that motion and affirmed the conviction and sentence. The court found the record showed Hinkle had understood the plea, the rights he was giving up, and that there was no clear evidence of misconduct that would require withdrawing the plea.
• Key issues / significance:
• This case shows how overdose deaths are being prosecuted under manslaughter / drug-corruption laws when a person provides lethal substances.
• It also illustrates legal standards regarding plea agreements: defendants must understand their rights; motions to withdraw pleas are difficult to succeed unless there is strong evidence of ineffective assistance of counsel or procedural error.
• There is a moral and societal dimension, given the opioid and fentanyl crisis in rural Ohio and elsewhere, especially in small towns like Crooksville.
Other Related / Smaller Cases Nearby (Brief Mentions)
• Vehicular assault in Crooksville (September, before 2023): A young man from Crooksville was driving approximately 100 mph in a 55 mph zone, lost control, and struck a former school bus. His passenger suffered serious injuries including brain bleeding. He was later sentenced to 16 months in prison.
• Zanesville Murder – Martisa Palmer (Dec 31, 2018): A case in nearby Zanesville where Dustin Cox pleaded guilty to killing his 21-year-old wife, Martisa Palmer, and tampering with evidence.
If you can add to any of these please comment below !
Unsolved Homicides and Cold Cases
Unsolved Homicides and Cold Cases
🕵️♂️ Unsolved Homicides and Cold Cases in Perry County, Ohio
1. Ronnie and Connie Collins – Roseville, March 8, 2007
On March 8, 2007, Ronnie and Connie Collins were found shot to death in their Roseville home, which had been set on fire. Initially believed to be an accidental fire, autopsy results revealed both victims had been killed before the fire was set. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved. The Perry County Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information from the public.
2. Glenda Johnson – Rushville, November 2, 1979
Glenda Johnson’s body was discovered in a wooded area near Rushville on November 2, 1979. She had been missing for several days prior to the discovery. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, and the case is listed as unsolved.
3. Ann Bowlby – New Straitsville, January 3, 1987
Ann Bowlby was found murdered in her New Straitsville home on January 3, 1987. The details of her death are limited, and the case remains unsolved. It is included in the Ohio Attorney General’s list of unsolved homicides.
4. Kayla Boring – Thornville, December 14, 1992
Kayla Boring’s body was discovered on December 14, 1992, in Thornville. The cause of death and circumstances leading to her demise are not publicly known, and the case remains unsolved.
5. Robert Knisley – Junction City, July 4, 2005
Robert Knisley was found murdered in Junction City on July 4, 2005. The details of his death are limited, and the case remains unsolved. It is listed among the unsolved homicides in Perry County.
6. Abby Lynn Butcher – New Lexington, February 26, 2011
Abby Lynn Butcher’s body was discovered behind an oil well in New Lexington on February 26, 2011. She had been reported missing earlier that year. The cause of death was not immediately determined, and the case remains under investigation.
7. Kaleb Russell – New Lexington, April 24, 2022
Kaleb Russell was reported missing on January 19, 2022. His body was discovered on April 24, 2022, in a crawl space beneath a home in New Lexington. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed, and the case remains under investigation.
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📌 Missing Persons Cases in Perry County
1. Anthony Tullius – Zanesville, June 4, 2011
Anthony Tullius, then 2 years old, was last seen in Zanesville on June 4, 2011. He would now be 16 years old. His disappearance remains unsolved.
2. Angel Sexton – Logan, February 2, 2011
Angel Sexton, then 37 years old, was last seen in Logan on February 2, 2011. She would now be 51 years old. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
3. John Reed – Zanesville, November 29, 1998
John Reed, then 20 years old, was last seen in Zanesville on November 29, 1998. He would now be 46 years old. His current status is unknown.
4. James Stanley – Athens, September 18, 1974
James Stanley, then 25 years old, was last seen in Athens on September 18, 1974. He would now be 76 years old. His whereabouts remain a mystery.
5. Michael Messmore – Lancaster, August 21, 2023
Michael Messmore, then 44 years old, was last seen in Lancaster on August 21, 2023. He would now be 46 years old. His current status is unknown.
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🧭 Resources for Reporting Tips
If you have information about any of these cases, please contact:
• Perry County Sheriff’s Office: (740) 342-4123
• Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI): (855) BCI-OHIO
• Ohio Attorney General’s Office Cold Case Unit: Submit a Tip