On August 26, 2002, Craig Roberts, age 43, was found shot to death in his home at 502 Wells Hollow Road in Wellsville, Ohio. Roberts, who was known by the nickname "Hillbilly," was found in the master bedroom with two gunshot wounds to his head. The incident occurred sometime after midnight and before 6 a.m. when a household member discovered his body and called the police.
Roberts was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh, where he was declared brain dead and kept alive on life-support systems before passing away.
The investigation by the Wellsville Police Department, with the assistance of the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office, revealed that Roberts was likely killed by someone he knew, and robbery was ruled out as a motive. Prosecutor Robert Herron indicated that there were no signs of struggle in the house and that there were other individuals present at the time of the shooting. Authorities have identified suspects and are making progress in the investigation, though the firearm used in the crime has not yet been recovered. Craig Roberts, who operated a vehicle towing business from his home, lived with a woman and some of her family members at the time of his death, which was the third homicide in Columbiana County that year.
The case remains unsolved, and the authorities are still seeking information that could lead to an arrest. Community members with any knowledge about the circumstances surrounding Craig Roberts' death are encouraged to contact law enforcement and provide any tips that may assist in solving the case.
