On October 30, 1987, David Smelser, along with two other individuals—Melinda Newcomb and Donald Marker—was tragically murdered in an isolated cabin located at 2188 Consolidated Road in Eaton, Ohio. The murders were discovered on November 2, 1987, when a friend, Doug Crowell, went to check on Smelser after he failed to appear for work. Upon arriving at the cabin, Crowell found that Smelser's truck was still there, lights were on, and a radio was playing.
When Crowell looked inside, he discovered the bodies of the three victims, each of whom had been shot in the head. The authorities believe that the shooting occurred late on the night of October 30, and it appears that Smelser may have been the primary target, while Newcomb and Marker might have arrived at the cabin before the perpetrator had the chance to leave, leading to their murders as well.
David Smelser, who was 31 at the time of his death, worked as a plumber's helper for Crowell Plumbing. He rented the farmhouse where the murders occurred and enjoyed activities like gardening and hunting. Marker, who had recently returned to Preble County from Colorado, had been living with Smelser temporarily. Melinda Newcomb, who was also killed in the attack, had gone to the cabin to give Marker a ride after they had both been at a local bar. Investigators believe that the murder scene indicated no signs of struggle, and they suspect that the murderer may have been familiar with the victims or the cabin's surroundings.
Despite an investigation that spanned years, the case remains unsolved. The Preble County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, has continued efforts to bring justice to the victims. However, insufficient evidence has prevented authorities from prosecuting any suspects, though there remains a "good person of interest" in the case. Family members of the victims, including Becca Newcomb, have continued to advocate for justice, emphasizing the need for closure and answers after decades of uncertainty.
Anyone with information about the triple homicide is urged to contact the Preble County Sheriff's Office or submit a tip through the Ohio Attorney General’s cold case initiative. Authorities hope that renewed public attention could help provide leads that might finally resolve this long-standing tragedy.
