TALLMADGE, Ohio — Authorities say they have made a break in two cold case murders – one of which dates back nearly 50 years.
Tallmadge Police Chief Ronald Williams tells WKYC that Gustave Sapharas was arrested Friday in his Jackson Township home in connection with the 1970 murder of Karen Bentz and the 1975 murder of Loretta Jean Davis.
Bentz’s body was found on Indian Hills Drive in Tallmadge, while Davis was found in Portage County.
Chief Williams would not reveal how they tracked down this suspect, but said it would all come to light through legal proceedings. He also said Sapharas was not surprised by his arrest.
This is not the first time Sapharas has been accused of murder: He was recently acquitted in a 1991 cold case in Licking County. His DNA had been traced to a 21-year-old mother.
Lynna Lai had more on this developing story Tuesday night on Channel 3 News at 11. You can watch in the player below:
