This press release from the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office made me so happy! I have known Detective Dave Talbert for years and honestly believe that there is no one better suited for this task. He has supported myself, the families, and CCFHV since 2006 in everything we have tried to do. He is NOT a politician. He is a Detective that understands more than most what it is like to be a family member of an unsolved murder.
I expressed believing he should be involved with Vito before the election as did others and was so happy to hear he accepted the position.
I have met with Troy Walker but do not know him well. He did strike me as someone very capable and definitely interested in solving these cases for both the families and the community. I am really excited about this! I believe if there is any hope at all of solving these cases, this task force, along with the new detectives at the Sheriff Department, will do everything within their power to get the job done.
As ALWAYS.... if you know anything about any of our cases, please reach out to the Task Force.
(Press release and photo are from the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Facebook page).
Columbiana County, Ohio Prosecutor's Office
This marks an unprecedented investment in cold case investigations in Columbiana County. See below for full press release details.
March 25, 2022 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Today, Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito J. Abruzzino announces the creation of the Columbiana County Cold Case Task Force within the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and in direct coordination with the Columbiana County Major Crimes Task Force.
Leading the efforts of the task force will be Chief Investigator Troy Walker of the Prosecutor’s Office and Detective David Talbert of the Salem, Ohio Police Department. The task force will focus on unsolved Columbiana County homicides.
In working with local chiefs of police and the Sheriff over the last year, the Prosecutor’s Office developed a ranked list of cold case homicides, prioritizing those that have the most evidence available with the greatest promise of being resolved.
Recently, the Prosecutor’s Office successfully prosecuted the cold case of Melinda Todd, who was murdered in 2012. Kevin Kirby, now in prison for the murder, was sentenced to 20-years to life in that case.
“The Columbiana County Commissioners have resoundingly supported my vision for the office and the importance I place in solving cold cases. Without their unwavering support, such efforts would be impossible due to the high costs associated with investigating these types of cases. Special thanks are also in line for Salem Police Chief J.T. Panezott and Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin who have agreed to support the efforts via their involvement with the Major Crimes Task Force.”
Those having any information regarding a past homicide in Columbiana County, please call our Prosecutor’s Office Tip Line at 330-420-1050.