Tracking the Ohio County Killer
The terror began in April 1989 when Donald Welling, 35, was found dead on the side of a road near his home in Tuscarawas County. Known for his kind and carefree nature, Welling had been shot with a high-powered rifle. Despite extensive questioning, including of a man whose wife was allegedly having an affair with Welling, the police were left without any solid leads.
The case grew even more perplexing in November 1990 when Jamie Paxton, a 21-year-old crossbow hunter, was found shot three times in Belmont County. The shots, fired from a considerable distance, struck his chest, knee, and backside.
The killing spree continued in March 1992 with the murder of Claude Hawkins, a 49-year-old married father of four. Hawkins was out fishing in Coshocton County when he was shot dead with a high-powered rifle. The ammo was identified as a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser round, indicating a skilled and calculating shooter.
With five murders in as many counties, it became clear that the killer was moving intentionally to different areas. Former NYC prosecutor Beth Karas suggested that this strategy might give the murderer a better chance of evading capture.
Join Jonah Lantto and Dawn Palumbo as they explore the investigation, the clues, and the relentless pursuit of justice in this harrowing true crime story.
