Permon Eugene "Gene" Gilbert, a 46-year-old man from Bethel, Ohio, was tragically murdered on May 3, 1982. Gilbert was a well-respected business owner and a proud father of four. He was last seen alive on May 22, 1982, after completing a service repair call in Maysville, Ohio. The next morning, his family reported him missing. His beaten, shot, and nude body was discovered on May 23, 1982, in a ditch on Swope Road in Clermont County, Ohio, just a few miles from his home. His van was found several days later on Ebeneezer Road in Adams County, more than 20 miles from his home.
The investigation into Gilbert's murder has remained open, but no arrests have been made. The case received national media attention in 1989 when it was featured on the television show "Unsolved Mysteries". Despite the efforts of law enforcement and the airing of the show, the case remains unsolved. In 2015, Clermont County officials hoped that fresh eyes and social media might help solve the case. They also used new technology to test materials gathered in the case, but these tests did not yield new results.
Several theories have been proposed regarding the motive for Gilbert's murder, but none have led to a resolution. Items missing from Gilbert's possessions, including his clothing, boots, cowboy hat, and Masonic items, have never been located. A theory brought out in the "Unsolved Mysteries" show suggested a possible link to crime cases his brother Vernon Gilbert allegedly testified about. However, no concrete evidence has been found to support this theory.
The case continues to be a priority for local law enforcement, and they have urged anyone with information to come forward. Gilbert's story remains a poignant reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
