SCIOTO COUNTY, OH — Law enforcement officials from multiple counties in southern Ohio have announced the recovery of potential evidence in a decades-old missing persons investigation. The Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force executed a search on Pine Creek Road near South Webster on April 2, 2025, as part of an ongoing probe into the possible whereabouts of three individuals reported missing from various counties — some cases dating back more than 40 years.
The multi-agency effort included agents from the task force, led by Ohio Attorney General David Yost, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer, New Boston Police Chief Carl Compton, Scioto County Prosecuting Attorney Shane Tieman, Pike County Sheriff Tracy Evans, and Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless.
Investigators focused their search on a well located on the property. Excavation was initially paused due to severe weather but resumed on April 14. During the search, authorities recovered items of interest, including a bullet. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI&I) is conducting forensic testing to determine if human remains are present.
The investigation remains active, with continued coordination among local and state agencies. Authorities say the search efforts in the Pine Creek area will continue as leads develop.
Sheriff Thoroughman extended gratitude to the Wayne National Forest Officer, SOCF’s Special Response Team, BCI&I, the Columbus Police Department, the Scioto County Engineer’s Office, and the Bloom Township Fire & EMS Department for their assistance.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Organized & Major Crimes Task Force at (740) 716-8466. All tips will be handled confidentially and anonymously.
