Authorities in Ohio have closed a six-decade-old homicide case of Daisy Shelton, whose remains were found in a gravel pit and a canal channel back in 1964. Miami County Prosecutor Anthony Kendall approved closing the case based on information from a witness and statements from a suspect, both of whom are now deceased. A fisherman initially discovered a severed human arm in a gravel pit east of Tipp City, followed by additional body parts being found in the canal. The remains were identified as those of 43-year-old Daisy Shelton, but the case went cold until a witness confessed in 2017 while in the hospital.
The witness, fearing he was dying, confessed to a nurse that he had seen someone kill Shelton by hitting her in the head with a hammer at a Dayton home. He claimed her body was dismembered and disposed of in bodies of water around Tipp City. Initially, the suspect denied knowing Shelton despite living on the same street and working for the same employer. However, in August 2017, he reluctantly admitted to knowing the victim. He acknowledged that a box from his house was used to carry the victim’s remains and suggested that the crime was a set-up orchestrated by the eyewitness.
Despite the suspect’s admission, the witness passed away before the case could be prosecuted and the suspect himself died in September 2022 at the age of ninety-two. The involvement of both key individuals in the case’s resolution was crucial, with the witness providing essential information that led to the suspect’s admission. The suspect’s statements, while initially denying involvement, ultimately pointed to a possible connection to the crime and the use of his house to transport the victim’s remains. The case remained unresolved for over 50 years, highlighting the long journey to justice faced by victims and their families in cold cases.
The closure of this cold case marks a significant moment in Ohio’s history, shedding light on a decades-old crime that haunted the community. The discovery of Daisy Shelton’s remains in 1964 triggered an investigation that remained unsolved for many years until a witness came forward with critical information in 2017. The witness’s confession ultimately led to further investigation and the suspect’s admission of involvement in Shelton’s murder.
In conclusion, the resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of justice, regardless of the time that has passed. The efforts of law enforcement authorities in Ohio, combined with the input of witnesses and suspects, played a pivotal role in finally closing the chapter on Daisy Shelton’s tragic murder. While the suspect’s death in 2022 prevented a full prosecution, the acknowledgment of his involvement provides closure to the case and a sense of justice for Shelton and her loved ones. The lessons learned from this investigation can serve as a beacon of hope for other cold cases, demonstrating that with determination and diligence, even the oldest mysteries can eventually be solved.
