BELLAIRE - It's been a week of living in fear for most residents of the West Bellaire neighborhood of the village. Some residents have even armed themselves with weapons.
That's after 92-year-old Lydia Ashworth was discovered in her residence at 124 Fourth Ave. on June 30. She had been robbed and then murdered, according to Bellaire Police Chief Mike Kovalyk.
While there have been rampant rumors circulating around the tiny Belmont County village about authorities having three suspects in mind, and even one in custody, Kovalyk said they don't.
"None of that is true," he stressed.
But he does have a message for the suspect or suspects.
"Do the right thing," he said. "Turn yourself in."
Kovalyk said while there are no suspects as of now, his department has received tips from people all over the county, but they still need more information.
"It is unusual for this neighborhood," Kovalyk said when the crime first occurred. "We have officers that live in close proximity to this house."
Anyone with information on the heinous crime is asked to call the Bellaire Police Department at 740-676-3322.
North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com
