On April 11, 2010, Robert "Mike" Yoder, aged 56, was found dead outside his home on Wolfe Road in Perry Township, Laurelville, Ohio. The Hocking County Sheriff's Office determined that Yoder's death resulted from blunt force trauma to the head, and it was ruled a homicide. Investigators believe that the motive for this crime was likely burglary or theft, as there were indications that items might have been stolen from the victim's residence. The time of death was estimated to have occurred between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. on the morning of April 11.
Robert Yoder was well-known in the community as the owner of The Potting Shed greenhouse on Pleasant Valley Road in Chillicothe, as well as several rental properties in Ross County. Despite being an active community member, no clear enemies or conflicts were identified, which has added complexity to the investigation. A reward of $5,000 has been offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for his death.
The case remains open, and both local authorities and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation have called on anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that community assistance is crucial in solving cold cases like this one. The Ohio Attorney General's Office continues to maintain Yoder's case in their statewide database of unsolved homicides in hopes of bringing justice to his family and providing closure for the community.
