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Post by admin on Jan 23, 2007 2:42:49 GMT -5
This man apparently shot himself in the head, wrapped himself in sheets, buried himself under the floor, then partially burned himself to get rid of his evidence. Suicide.
Thank goodness the family convinced "the investigator for the Preble County Prosecutor's office" to have a second autopsy.
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Silver.
R.I.P., James
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Post by admin on Jan 23, 2007 2:44:54 GMT -5
www.wcpo.com/news/2004/local/01/28/suicide.htmlReported by: AP Web produced by: Liz Foreman Photographed by: 9News 1/28/04 11:03:07 AM Authorities have opened an investigation into a 1979 death originally reported as the suicide of a man whose body was found under the floor, wrapped in sheets and burned. A second autopsy performed on James J. Silver of New Paris raised enough questions to warrant an investigation, said Dave Lindloff, an investigator for the Preble County prosecutor. The autopsy, completed by the Montgomery County coroner's staff, concurred with the original cause of death as a shotgun wound to the head, but provided new information on the wound entrance and path and direction of the buckshot. Steven Clapp, Silver's cousin, asked authorities in May to exhume the body. "The family's main concern is that a thorough investigation is done," said Clapp, who retired last year as an investigator with the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Silver is believed to have died April 11, 1979, in his home located 32 miles west of Dayton, near the Indiana state line. Authorities found the body, wrapped in sheets and partially burned, beneath the utility room floor one week later. Lindloff said authorities should have interviewed more family members
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Post by blazer on Jan 26, 2007 19:50:38 GMT -5
Okay, why not do some interviews now?
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Post by admin on Jan 30, 2007 19:04:53 GMT -5
www.diddakoi.com/012904.htmHere's the money quote: Lindloff said authorities should have interviewed more family members. Hmmmm. He "shot himself" in 1979, burned his own body, wrapped it in sheets and buried it in the utility room, and it's taken them this long to determine that an investigation is in order? [I'm thinking the police are a little overworked out there in New Paris.] Quote du jour: "I have never seen a situation so dismal that a policeman couldn't make it worse." -- Brendan Behan (1907 - 1973) Irish poet, dramatist, editor
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Post by tmarker on Jan 31, 2007 11:42:42 GMT -5
ADMIN!! You are a fiesty little fireball here! I am laughing so hard that I can hardly type! I had to share this one with my co-workers. Bravo, admin, bravo...
LOLOLOLOL...
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Post by blazer on Feb 6, 2007 21:53:03 GMT -5
Paper: Palladium-Item (Richmond, IN)
Title: Corpse exhumed for autopsy in Preble County
Author: Hali Cartee
Date: November 20, 2003
Section: Region
Page: 1A
Eaton,Ohio: Family asks county to look into death of New Paris manHali Cartee
Staff writer
EATON, Ohio - The body of a New Paris man who died 24 years ago was exhumed Tuesday for an autopsy. The Preble County Prosecutor's office and Sheriff's Department is expecting the
new autopsy to be completed this week.
The body of James J. Silvers, 32, was removed from his grave at his family's request. Preble County Coroner Dr. John Vosler ordered the exhumation. The family is not making comments at this time, said their spokesman Steve Clapp, who is Silvers' cousin.
Clapp said Wednesday night he is planning a news conference soon, but it has not been scheduled. Silvers died in 1979. Wrapped in a blanket, his body was found under the floor
of his home at 207 Burley St. on April 18, 1979.
According to an April 19, 1979, Palladium-Item article, Preble County Deputy Sheriff Athel Suman said Silvers probably had been dead for a week when the body was found. The death was ruled a suicide.
Wednesday afternoon, Preble County Deputy Sheriff Mike Simpson said the family had made inquiries to the prosecutor's office around May 30 and asked to review or re-open the case.
The review raised issues with some of the original autopsy's findings.
"We went back and gathered reports from that incident," Simpson said. "The only way to answer questions was to bring the body out." Simpson said they could not comment on what questions the exhumation was trying to answer.
The body was sent to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory in Montgomery County for the new autopsy. In 1979, the Montgomery County Coroner's Office performed the autopsy. Simpson said the autopsy would look at what was done in 1979 and a conclusion could be made about the cause of death.
The county is paying for the exhumation. Dave Lindloff, coroner's office investigator, could not be reached for comment about
the case or cost. He was at the crime laboratory Wednesday.
Simpson said exhuming a body is rare. He was not sure if the county had ordered one in the past.
Author: Hali Cartee
Section: Region
Page: 1A
Copyright (c) Palladium-Item. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
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Post by blazer on Feb 6, 2007 22:03:50 GMT -5
Paper: Palladium-Item (Richmond, IN)
Title: Exhumed body returns to grave
Author: Hali Cartee
Date: November 22, 2003
Section: Region
Page: 1, 2A
Investigation: The new autopsy results still were unavailable Friday
Hali Cartee Staff writer
EATON, Ohio - James Silvers' body was returned to its grave Thursday but questions that led officials to seek an autopsy 24 years after he died are yet to be answered.
The body was exhumed Tuesday morning and taken to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory in Montgomery County for an autopsy. Autopsy results were not yet available Friday when a family member had a news conference to discuss the case.
Silvers was 32 when he died on about April 11, 1979. He had been missing a week before police were called. They found the body on April 18. Steve Clapp asked for Silvers, his cousin, to be exhumed. He said accusing fingers are not being pointed at anyone but questions need to be answered.
"The family just wants a thorough investigation," Clapp said. "It's been very hard to live with the mystery." Clapp said he had reviewed the case for about a year. In May, he asked for the
Preble County Prosecutor's office and sheriff's department to reopen the case. His decision was not easy. "It reopens a lot of wounds," Clapp said. "I didn't go into this lightly."
Clapp said strange circumstances, a review of photographs of the victim and questions about the ballistics led to the request. He had poor photographs to look at, he said, but he believes there was extensive damage at the wound. There also were questions about the way the investigation was handled. Many
agencies at the time were involved in the investigation, including New Paris Police and offices of the county sheriff, prosecutor and coroner. The Ohio Criminal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery County Coroner's offices also were involved.
"The (police) chief of New Paris at the time was young and inexperienced. I feel he did his best, but he may have been overwhelmed by the experience," Clapp said. Tim McCombs was police chief at the time.
Problems also were found with J.R. Williams' report. Williams was the Montgomery County Coroner who performed the original autopsy. Clapp said errors included how a shotgun blast spreads.
"When it (the death) occurred, there were a lot of sketchy details. After that it was never talked about much," Clapp said.
Curiosity led him to review the case. As a retired investigator with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, he said he had access to some of the files. Preble County Investigative Coroner David Lindloff said the goal of exhuming the body was to help provide answers and closure for the family.
Lindloff worked on the case in 1979. At the time he was a road deputy with the New Paris Police. It would take a considerable amount of time to look at the information and results of the autopsy, he said. When he first began reviewing the case, he
found the evidence in the New Paris police station's property room.
"It's a matter of reconstructing what was left and then making a determination from there," Lindloff said.
Lindloff said the autopsy wasn't the only information investigators are going on. He said advances in forensics and laboratory tests could help. Investigators are trying to provide answers for how Silvers died.
"It's already helped. We know certain things that couldn't have happened," Lindloff said.
Silvers' death
Silvers died around April 11, 1979, in his home at 207 Burley St., New Paris. According to Palladium-Item articles at the time, Silvers' parents called police because he had been missing for a week. Ralph Silvers, his father, also told police he noticed a strong odor when visiting the house.
Silvers was last seen April 10 by co-workers at Mosey Manufacturing Co. in Richmond, according to the articles.
The body was found April 18. Police investigators talked with the widow in May. The day the body was discovered she was admitted to the Reller Five section for mental health at Reid Hospital, suffering severe trauma and shock.
She admitted to keeping the body wrapped up. She placed it beneath the floor on April 17, according to the articles. The death was investigated as a questioned death, which meant it could have been an accident, suicide or homicide.
The Preble County Coroner's office said the cause of death was a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the face.
The death was ruled a suicide, but investigators and police involved would not indicate why, the articles said.
Clapp said there had been attempts to destroy the body, including burning. The body was found in water in the crawl space, which damaged evidence. "We're hoping we can gather good solid evidence from the forensics," Clapp said.
"I was told that they gathered a lot of useful information and that the body was in good shape."
Lindloff said the first step six months ago when Clapp brought the request was to go over the case again. He said he had questions after reviewing the case and pathology report.
"It just came to the point where the only way to get answers was to exhume the body," Lindloff said.
The county foots the bill for the exhumation. Lindloff said he approached county commissioners about the need to fund a
confidential case. There was no hesitation to provide the money.
Lindloff said it has cost about $2,000 to refurbish a vault, open and close the grave and other expenses. The family was allowed to be at the grave when he was reinterred and flowers were provided.
To help &
#149; Anyone with information concerning the death of James Silvers should contact Det. Clay VanWinkle at the Preble County Sheriff's Department at (937) 456-8111 or Investigative Coroner David Lindloff at (937) 456-4618.
Palladium-Item photo by Steve Koger
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS: Steve Clapp of Eaton speaks on behalf of the family of James Silvers, pictured in the photo on the table, during a news conference Friday at the Eaton Youth Center. Clapp is a cousin of Silvers, who died on about April 11, 1979. Authorities have reopened the investigation into his
death.
Author: Hali Cartee
Section: Region
Page: 1, 2A
Copyright (c) Palladium-Item. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
INBOX: Email 2 of 56 Move to Folder INBOX Draft Screened Mail SentMail Trash
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Post by blazer on Feb 6, 2007 22:07:24 GMT -5
Paper: Palladium-Item (Richmond, IN)
Title: Correction<br>
Author: Staff
Date: November 25, 2003
Section: Correction
Page: 3A
David Lindloff has not been a member of the New Paris Police Department. Lindloff also had not worked on the investigation into the death of James Silvers of New Paris until May 30, 2003.
Information in a story on Page A2 Saturday was incorrect. Accuracy is important to the Palladium-Item and its readers. The newspaper will correct in this space any inaccurate or misleading
information published. To point out an error or to request a correction, please call (765) 962-1575 or (800) 686-1330.
Author: Staff
Section: Correction
Page: 3A
Copyright (c) Palladium-Item. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
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Post by blazer on Feb 6, 2007 22:12:44 GMT -5
Paper: Palladium-Item (Richmond, IN)
Title: Autopsy confirms cause of death
Author: Hali Cartee
Date: January 14, 2004
Section: Region
Page: 3A
Preble Co.: Question is if 1979 death was homicide or suicide
Hali Cartee
Staff writer
EATON, Ohio - A renewed investigation into the death of a New Paris man 24 years ago affirmed the cause of death but left other questions unanswered. The cause of James Joseph Silvers' death - a shotgun blast to the head - remains the same as nearly a quarter century ago, according to a report released Tuesday by Preble County Coroner John Vosler.
But Preble County Investigative Coroner David Lindloff said a primary question - whether the shooting was a suicide or a homicide - remains.
The recent examination, however, did yield new information for investigators. "From the second autopsy we have received new and vital information that will help us with the investigation of this case," Lindloff said.
A press release issued by the coroner's office said that vital information includes the blast's entrance, path and direction.
Silvers' remains were exhumed Nov. 18, 2003, at the request of his family and taken to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.
The coroner, Preble County prosecutor and Preble County sheriff's offices are investigating the case. Steve Clapp, Silvers' cousin, requested the death be reinvestigated. He said he
was not surprised at the results of the report. "There weren't any surprises but then again there were differences that continue
to open some questions as to if it was a suicide," Clapp said. "I speak for the family that this is all being handled very well. I know the sheriff and prosecutor's office are going to continue the investigation."
Silvers died about April 11, 1979. His body was found April 18 in his home on Burley Street. The body was burned, wrapped and found beneath the floor. The death was then ruled a suicide.
Clapp, a retired investigator with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, previously said curiosity, strange circumstances, a
review of photographs of the victim and questions about the ballistics led to the request.
There also were questions about the way the investigation was handled. Many agencies at the time were involved in the investigation, including New Paris Police Department and offices of the county sheriff, prosecutor and coroner. The
Ohio Criminal Bureau of Investigation and Montgomery County coroner's offices also were involved.
Problems also were found with J.R. Williams' report. Williams was the Montgomery County coroner who performed the original autopsy. Clapp said errors included how a shotgun blast spreads.
Lindloff said the report on the cause of death was received Tuesday. "This will send us in a couple different directions," Lindloff said. "This is at the top priority of our list to finish."
Lindloff said he is still trying to recover archived photographs, looking through old files and planning several interviews.
At a glance
Preble County officials have reopened the investigation into the April 1979 death of James J. Silvers, 32, of New Paris.
A recent autopsy affirmed that death resulted from a shotgun blast.
The autopsy did give new information on the fatal wound, however.
Author: Hali Cartee
Section: Region
Page: 3A
Copyright (c) Palladium-Item. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc.
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Post by admin on Feb 7, 2007 0:14:49 GMT -5
Blazer, your thorough work and sharing of infomation is greatly appreciated - thank you!
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Post by ericwhite on Mar 4, 2007 9:14:46 GMT -5
I actually think we will see this cold case go to the grand jury soon. The now deceased then asst coroner Tim Miller will take the blame. Steve Clapp, a former liquor agent and Silvers nephew has built a fire. Allthough you could write a book about this one. Clapp, more worried about justice than steamy rumors, is looking for closure to his cousins death
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Post by copwatcher on Mar 4, 2007 12:21:17 GMT -5
That's interesting to see Eric. Can I assume then that it was someone outside of LE that killed him? Tim Miller can only take the blame for the poor investigation, right, he isn't suspected of killing James, is he? And if it's going to go to a Grand Jury there will no doubt be a delivery of yet another No True Bill if the suspect is a current or past LEO. I admire Mr. Clapp for standing up for his cousin & that the paper says he is satisfied that LE is doing a good job re-investigating but I don't believe he means it. After all, he comes from LE/government so he has to have seen the corruption along the way. And he surely has to know that if his cousin was killed by who is rumored to have killed him justice will never be served. America is getting a little better everyday at bringing LE to the other side of the bars for their crimes but not enough & not fast enough. And here in PC, no way. Too many of the old guard still in place! JMO
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Post by RubySlippers on Mar 11, 2007 23:30:13 GMT -5
Several years ago, his widow had no problem speaking of the incident to her coworkers. Wonder if she was as forthcoming to law enforcement.
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Post by FAMILY on Mar 19, 2007 18:13:04 GMT -5
This man apparently shot himself in the head, wrapped himself in sheets, buried himself under the floor, then partially burned himself to get rid of his evidence. Suicide. Thank goodness the family convinced "the investigator for the Preble County Prosecutor's office" to have a second autopsy. I THINK IT IS WONDERFUL THAT STEVIE IS WORKING SO HARD TO GET THIS SOLVED, IT'S NOT LIKE EVERYONE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW WHO THE MURDERER IS!!!!! Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Silver. R.I.P., James |
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Post by jericho on Mar 19, 2007 19:20:55 GMT -5
I THINK IT IS WONDERFUL THAT STEVIE IS WORKING SO HARD TO GET THIS SOLVED, IT'S NOT LIKE EVERYONE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW WHO THE MURDERER IS!!!!! So, who is the murderer? I am one person who doesn't already know. Send it to me in a PM, if you must. |
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Post by vanrichie on Mar 19, 2007 19:29:49 GMT -5
i think if you investigate or even read any of the information given to the public, it's very obvious.
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Post by admin on Mar 19, 2007 20:14:08 GMT -5
Jericho, I have PMd you.
If anyone has information, please post...I prefer to keep this forum fact-based with documents and news articles.
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Post by jericho on Mar 19, 2007 21:17:23 GMT -5
Jericho, I have PMd you. If anyone has information, please post...I prefer to keep this forum fact-based with documents and news articles. Thank you, Admin. |
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Post by redd74 on Apr 5, 2007 17:56:26 GMT -5
can anyone tell me if the autopsy report is public? i mean can we read it if requested??
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Post by admin on Apr 5, 2007 19:18:20 GMT -5
redd74, I think you can request an autopsy report from Vogel. Be sure to do it in writing.
I am not sure if the autopsy can be attained since the case has been "reopened", you may have to wait until this case is considered solved, but CopWatcher would be able to give you much more reliable information than I.
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Post by copwatcher on Apr 6, 2007 17:12:10 GMT -5
Is this case still open? If so, they don't have to release it. Normally I would suggest requesting it from the coroner but it's been a long time. Probably Mr. Votel would be your contact. If you want an example of the request letter visit www.oag.gov then go to Sunshine Law. Feel free to pm me if you need help. Welcome. Sincerely CW |
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Post by redd74 on Apr 6, 2007 19:08:05 GMT -5
thank you both for your help! copwatcher, i have pm'd you another question.
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Post by lights on Apr 7, 2007 20:00:42 GMT -5
be careful redd!
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Post by redd74 on Apr 8, 2007 16:33:38 GMT -5
don't worry about me lights!!  |
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Post by admin on Apr 11, 2007 15:25:34 GMT -5
www.10tv.com/?sec=crimetracker&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200610/1794046181.htmlThe Justice for All Act (2004) gave crime victims the right to: Protection from the accused Accurate and timely notice of court proceedings No exclusion from court unless conflicts with testimonial issues Be heard at public proceedings involving release, plea, sentencing or parole Confer with attorney for the Government Full and timely restitution Proceedings free from unreasonable delay Treated with respect for the victims dignity and privacy "When victims receive the information, assistance, and support to which they are entitled, they are better able to cope with the impact of the crime and to participate more effectively in the investigation and prosecution Justice is not truly served until crime victims are served." Contact: Victim Specialist Lisa Miriello 614 224 1183 office 614 744 2123 - direct lmiriell@leo.gov www.fbi.gov
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Post by hbrown on May 22, 2007 9:15:09 GMT -5
Can someone tell me where to get the original newspaper articles about this case from 1979? Where can I find anymore information about this case? Please help.
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Post by saywhat on May 22, 2007 23:33:50 GMT -5
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Post by saywhat on May 22, 2007 23:35:44 GMT -5
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Post by hbrown on May 23, 2007 17:09:13 GMT -5
Thanks for the articles. It's a shame no-one has written about this tragedy beyond local coverage. This needs national exposure.
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Post by redd74 on May 24, 2007 6:19:33 GMT -5
you can find a lot of the original newspaper articles at Morrison-Reeves Library in Richmond, Indiana
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