On July 9, 2008, the body of 81-year-old Alyce Seff was found in a tragic and horrifying condition in Columbus, Ohio. Seff, who was a well-known landlady owning multiple rental properties throughout Columbus, had been reported missing. A father and his daughter noticed a strong odor coming from a decorative well behind one of Seff’s properties on South High Street. When they investigated, they discovered Seff’s remains inside the well.
She had been bound with duct tape, placed upside down, and ultimately died from positional asphyxiation. It was determined that her body had likely been there for several days before being found (sources: The Cinemaholic, Oxygen, 10TV).
The investigation led authorities to Charles Greene, a handyman who occasionally worked for Alyce Seff. Evidence connecting Greene to the crime included the discovery of Seff's phone, credit cards, and her vehicle in his possession. Her car was found near Greene’s residence, and his DNA was identified on the steering wheel. It was also found that after Seff's death, there were unauthorized activities on her credit card, and phone calls were made from her phone by Greene. These connections formed the basis for Greene's arrest in 2015, three years after the murder (sources: Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, 10TV, The Cinemaholic).
Charles Greene was charged and stood trial in 2017. He was ultimately convicted of murder, aggravated robbery, and kidnapping. He received a sentence of 15 years to life in prison, with additional sentences for robbery and kidnapping to be served concurrently. The prosecution argued that the motive for the crime was money, as Seff was known to carry cash. Despite the circumstantial nature of the evidence, the jury found Greene guilty after a seven-day trial. Greene continues to serve his sentence, with a possibility of parole after 15 years (sources: Franklin County Prosecutor's Office, Oxygen, 10TV).
This brutal crime shook the local community, especially considering the vulnerable age of Alyce Seff and the shocking manner of her death. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by elderly individuals, particularly those living alone and involved in managing property and finances.
