BELLAIRE - Village police and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Unit are investigating the death of an elderly woman, which occurred sometime late Friday or early Saturday.
Chief Mike Kovalyk said his department received a call at 12:58 p.m. Saturday that a 92-year-old female had been found in her residence at 124 Fourth Ave. in West Bellaire.
"A family member called and said they couldn't get in touch with their elderly mother," Kovalyk said while standing outside the residence Saturday afternoon. "The family member came to check on their mother and now we have a 92-year-old deceased female.
The victim was identified Sunday as an L. Ashworth.
"It appears to be a burglary and a homicide," the chief continued.
However, he was not releasing additional information on the case when The Times Leader went to press late Saturday, other than "agents from BCI had just completed processing the scene and he was helping the family board up some things at the house."
Kovalyk said the Belmont County Coroner was called, as was the assistant coroner. Also responding were cruisers from the Bellaire Police Department and the Belmont County Sheriff's Office.
When asked if there was a suspect or suspects, Kovalyk replied, "we hope to catch someone."
Yellow police tape surrounded the one-story white house, which is located in a usually quiet neighborhood. He said entry made to the rear of the home.
"We actually have police officers that live in the area," explained Kovalyk. "In a close proximity of this scene."
Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call the Bellaire Police Department at (740) 676-3322.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com
