T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Chief Detective Ryan Allar of the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office gives a press conference Wednesday asking anyone with information about the double homicide of Tom and Angela Strussion to come forward.

\ST. CLAIRSVILLE — On the one-year anniversary of the shocking double homicide of Angela and Tom Strussion, the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone in the community with information about the crimes to come forward.

The couple and their pets were found dead inside their home on Trails End Drive near Belmont on Sept. 21, 2021, and the home had been set ablaze. They were the owners of two Salsa Joe’s Smokehouse restaurants — one nearby along National Road east of Morristown and another in Wheeling.

Sheriff’s Chief Detective Ryan Allar said his office is working with state and federal law enforcement and other investigators to follow every tip received.

“Their deaths left behind grieving family and friends who continue to search for answers. We are here today asking for the community’s help to find those answers,” Allar said during a press conference at the Ohio Valley Mall sheriff’s station on Wednesday.

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of Angela and Tom’s tragic deaths. Investigators are still working diligently to follow up on every tip we receive and investigate all possible scenarios,” he said. “For those of you who have already assisted in this investigation, we thank you for your cooperation, as we may be asking for your help again.

“We believe there are people who have information regarding the circumstances of Angela and Tom’s deaths who have not yet spoken with law enforcement. Often people have information of value but do not come forward because of concerns that it may not be important,” he said. “You may have noticed unexplained injuries; a sudden departure from the area after the offense; the possession of new personal items or money; changes in mood, lifestyle patterns or appearance; or intense interest in or avoidance of this case. Regardless of how insignificant you think your information might be or whether you think we are aware of it, please contact us and allow us to make that determination.

“In some situations, people who have knowledge may not initially come forward due to close relationships with those who could be involved or a concern for their own safety or reputation. There may be times when people are unknowingly brought into a situation by the person or persons responsible. Relationships and loyalties can change, as do people and their perspectives; it is not too late to come forward,” Allar said.

He said information may come from areas far afield and outside of Belmont County, since the Strussions have had ties to other locations.

“We’re trying to get today’s statement out as far as possible,” he said.

Allar noted two people were convicted and sentenced in late 2021 for extortion of Tom Strussion. There were rumors and speculation about these people and a possible connection to the deaths, but investogators said there is no strong evidence of their involvement.

“We have not narrowed the investigation to a particular person of interest and continue to follow up on all possible leads,” Allar said.

Anyone with information about the case can call 740-695-7933, ext. 122, or visit belmontsheriff.com or the department’s Facebook page.