On November 2, 1962, Windom Durham, a 77-year-old resident of Oberlin, Ohio, was found dead in his home at 249 Lincoln Street. The discovery occurred around 1:25 p.m. when a concerned neighbor requested a welfare check due to suspicious circumstances. Upon entry, Durham was found bound, gagged, and severely beaten, with evidence suggesting that a robbery had taken place inside his home. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation, and it is estimated that Durham died around 8:00 a.m. on November 2. He had last been seen alive by his neighbors the previous afternoon, around 2:00 p.m.
The initial investigation saw several individuals interviewed by the authorities, but no arrests or charges have ever been made in connection with this crime. Durham's death has remained unsolved for decades, despite the efforts of both the Oberlin Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). This case continues to be featured in the Ohio Attorney General's database of cold cases, with hopes that renewed public attention could bring in new leads or crucial information to help solve it.
If anyone has information about this case, they are encouraged to contact the Oberlin Police Department or the Ohio Attorney General's office. Authorities stress the importance of any tips, no matter how minor they may seem, as they could potentially help bring closure to Windom Durham's family and ensure that justice is served for this tragic crime.
