On February 14, 2003, Herman Brown, aged 46, was found dead in his apartment located at 2572 Sarvis Court in Cincinnati, Ohio. Officers were dispatched to conduct a wellness check after receiving a call that Brown had not been seen for an extended period. Upon arrival, Cincinnati Police discovered Brown had been beaten to death. The gruesome scene also revealed that Brown was found naked with an extension cord wrapped around his neck and had suffered multiple stab wounds.
Blood was also discovered in the bathroom sink, adding to the evidence collected at the scene.
The case went unsolved for years, with investigators initially unable to identify the source of the DNA evidence collected at the scene, which included cigarette butts and blood samples. However, advancements in forensic technology recently breathed new life into the investigation. The unknown DNA was re-analyzed using forensic genetic genealogy, which eventually led to the identification of Robert Stewart as a suspect. Stewart was indicted for two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault. He was arrested on September 15, 2023, and is currently in custody in Hamilton County on a $500,000 bond. Prosecutors have expressed hope that the arrest will bring some measure of justice and closure to Brown's family after two decades of uncertainty.
The investigation of Herman Brown's murder highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to use new technology to solve cold cases, emphasizing the determination of the Cincinnati Police Homicide Unit to bring closure to the victims' families, regardless of the time that has passed. Authorities have been commended for their perseverance in pursuing justice for Brown, and his case serves as a reminder of the power of community involvement and technological advancement in solving unsolved crimes.
