On November 7, 1996, Michelle Dawson-Pass, aged 36, was found dead in a remote area near Granville, Ohio. Her body was discovered nude near a field along James Road in Licking County. She had last been seen walking south on Kelton Avenue, heading to a friend’s house. Michelle’s death was determined to involve foul play, and evidence of sexual assault was also noted.
For years, the case remained unsolved, with few leads to go on.
However, in 2023, Robert Edwards, a 68-year-old man, was convicted for the murder of Michelle Dawson-Pass, along with the 1991 murder of another woman, Alma Lake. Advances in DNA technology played a key role in solving both cold cases. Investigators connected Edwards to these murders after reanalyzing evidence collected at the crime scenes. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 45 years, marking a significant resolution for the families affected by these decades-old tragedies.
The investigation and conviction were the result of a coordinated effort involving the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Authorities believe Edwards may be linked to additional unsolved crimes, given his history of traveling between states such as Ohio, Georgia, and Virginia, and his involvement in drug use and solicitation. Law enforcement continues to seek any information that could further clarify the scope of Edwards' criminal activities.
