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7 days ago
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Cold case: Daughter remembers mom, found murdered and dumped almost 23 years ago
The video above is from the archives: A report on Oct. 7, 2002, on Annie Griffin's murder. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — To Annitra Griffin, her late mother's presence is so strong that she still speaks of her in the present tense. Her mother, Annie Griffin, she said, 'IS' full of energy, and 'IS' funny. Annie and Annitra had their issues, especially when Annitra moved to Columbus in the late 90s to escape the violence that was gripping Youngstown, but mother and daughter had been on the path toward healing for at least a year and a half before Annie went missing in September 2002. Annie's body was found Oct. 4, 2002, in several garbage bags at a site often used for dumping at Carson Street and Cantwell Avenue on the Sharon Line part of the East Side, a place where several bodies had been dumped during the 90s and the early part of the 2000s. Annie, who was 48 when she died, battled mental health and addiction issues stemming from toxic relationships. Still living in Columbus today, Annitra, 48, said their relationship was on the verge of being revived when Annie was killed. 'I was loving my mom again and she was loving who I was,' said Annitra, who still lives in Columbus and has five children of her own. Annie had four children, but Annitra was her only girl. She was a graduate of South High School, and Annie's mother, Willie Mae McGilvary, owned the former Willie Mae's Soul Kitchen at 1184 Hillman St., which has since been torn down. The restaurant had its own share of violence. According to Youngstown Vindicator files, Annitra's grandmother in 1990 shot a customer who stabbed an employee. The employee died of their wounds. And in 1990, a man was shot and killed there. According to The Vindicator, McGilvary had a son who was murdered in a shootout in 1973. Annie was a native South Sider, and her kids lived there also; Annitra graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School before she moved to Columbus. She said her brothers were getting in trouble, and the city, which saw an average of almost 50 homicides a year in the 1990s, was not safe, so when she got pregnant, she decided the right thing to do for her and her child was to move. 'I just didn't want my son in Youngstown,' she said. Annie was not pleased that her daughter was moving, and that set in motion a rift that was just beginning to be repaired when she was killed. Annie was last seen Sept. 17, 2002, by her boyfriend at the time. Annitra reported her missing. Her remains were found Oct. 4, 2002, but she was not identified until several days later. Dental records needed to be used because of the condition of her body. It was Annitra whom the police asked for permission to get her mother's dental records. She said even before she spoke on the phone, once she got the call, she knew the news would be bad. 'I already knew what it was,' she said. Annie's car was found the day after she was last seen on West Delason Avenue, a short distance from her home on East Philadelphia Avenue. As she went missing, family members took to the media, including WKBN, to plead for any more information as to where she might be. Police got a tip from city litter control workers about the strange bags dumped on the Sharon Line a few days after the family went on television, which is when Annie's remains were found. Coroner's investigators could never determine the cause of death because of the condition of her body. Annitra said the way her mother was dismembered was a slap in the face to her and her family. 'How can they disrespect her remains like that?' she asked. 'It's ridiculous. It's terrible.' Former Chief of Detectives Capt. Robert Kane told The Vindicator Annie's death was a first for him in his then 32 years on the job because of how her body was disposed of. 'It takes a very sick mind to desecrate a body,' Kane told the newspaper then. The case was so shocking that a year after her remains were found, police went to the media to ask the public for information. They never received enough to reopen the case. Annitra said she reached out to a reporter about the case now because the memories of her mother are still powerful, and she wants whoever took part in her murder to be prosecuted. 'I just feel like everyone forgot who she is or was,' Annitra said. Anyone with information on the 2002 murder of Annie Griffin can call the Youngstown Police Detective Bureau at 330-742-8911 or CrimeStoppers Youngstown at 330-746-CLUE. This story is part of a series of cold cases that WKBN is examining. Do you have a cold case that you'd like us to look into further? Annitra also spoke with WKBN in 2002 about the case. You can see that video from our archives below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
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William Madison Jones, Sr., Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – William 'Billy' Madison Jones, Sr., of Youngstown, Ohio, departed this earth and gained his wings on Friday, May 2, 2025. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Billy was a devoted veteran and craftsman who dedicated his life to service and family. He was born on June 13, 1953, in Youngstown to William and Mary-Helen (Houge) Jones. Find obituaries from your high school Throughout his life, he was known for his sarcastic humor, unwavering work ethic and deep love for storytelling, whether through his vast comic book collection or by reenacting historical battle scenes with his grandsons. He will be remembered for the warmth, strength and joy he brought to everyone around him. Billy grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, where he was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility by his mother. During his youth, Billy developed a love for history, adventure and passions that would stay with him throughout his life After graduating from South High School, Billy answered the call to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and dedicated four years to the Corps, where he demonstrated honor, discipline and leadership. As a patriot, Billy's meritorious service to humanity and country in the armed services would continue beyond this enlistment. Billy then served in the United States Army for 16 more years as a skilled mechanic. In this role, Billy took great pride in maintaining and repairing essential equipment. His fellow servicemen remember him as dependable and dedicated, with a quick smile and a steady hand in every challenge. His military career took him across the globe, allowing him to travel with his family and expose them to diverse environments and cultures, including memorable postings in Japan and Germany. Billy served honorably during the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. His dedication to duty and his country was evident in every role he took on and his sense of responsibility and pride in service deeply shaped his life and the lives of those around him. Following his storied military career, Billy returned to Youngstown and was employed at KraftMaid, where he remained for 19 years. At KraftMaid, he was known as a diligent and friendly coworker. Billy took satisfaction in the quality of his work and was always willing to mentor younger employees. His steady presence and good humor brightened the workshop, making a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him. In his free time, Billy nurtured a lifelong passion for collecting comic books. He cherished these stories and characters, often using them to connect with others, especially his grandson. A natural storyteller, Billy would carefully recreate military battle scenes from his favorite books, building detailed models and sharing historical tales. Teaching and playing with his grandsons brought him immense joy. He loved passing along lessons about history, bravery and imagination, instilling in them a sense of wonder and a love for learning through play. Billy also was a champion for his beloved Cleveland Browns. Billy married his high school sweetheart, the former, Linda V. Deloche' and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage marked by love and partnership. They raised five children and built a warm, welcoming home rooted in love, discipline and deep family values. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Kimberly V., Catherine W. (Sirlen), Erica L. and William M., Jr., all of Youngstown, Ohio and Fanta A. of Greensboro, North Carolina and his six grandsons, Donavan, Maurice, Nazier, Kweli, Carter and Malachi, each of whom brought him endless joy and pride; siblings, Donald (Karen) Jones of Youngstown, Ohio, Diane M. Jones of Paris, France and Sherri L. Jones of Baltimore, Maryland; brother-in-law, Vincent C. Mack of Youngstown, Ohio and many nieces, nephews and cousins He was an endlessly proud husband and father, always supportive of his wife and his children. To Billy, family came above all else, he was happiest surrounded by loved ones, whether cheering at his grandsons' little league games or gathering around the table for dinner. He also found companionship and joy in his beloved pets, Leonidas and Spike, whose presence brought him daily comfort and laughter. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, through the values he taught and the laughter he shared. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Elizabeth A. Jones; brother, Lowell Jones; brother-in-law, Ronald J. Deloche' and nephew, Jason L. Olds. Billy will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his kind heart, his unwavering dedication to family and country and the light he brought into the lives of all who knew him. His memory will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. His life was a tapestry of service, sacrifice, wisdom and deep love. He leaves behind a family grounded by his examples, strong, kind and united. Though he has departed this earth, his spirit will remain in every shared memory, every lesson passed down and every moment of quiet strength his loved ones carry forward. As we gather to celebrate the life of William Madison Jones, Sr., let us reflect on the joyous moments he shared and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. May we find solace in each other and cherish his memory with the love and reverence he so deeply deserved. The Jones family will honor his memory with a public viewing on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Avenue in Youngstown, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life Service, replete with military honors to celebrate William's life and achievements, will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II as the celebrant. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of William 'Billy' Madison Jones, Sr., elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, OH. 330.782.8500. Send flowers to the service of William 'Billy' Madison Jones 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
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George Pincham, Jr., Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – George Pincham, Jr., 67 of Maranatha Court, Youngstown, Ohio, departed this life Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9:48 a.m., at the hospice house following complications from a short illness. He was born March 15, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of George Pincham, Sr. and Joan D. Fleming Underwood. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1976 graduate of South High School and Choffin Vocational School, receiving his certification in Industrial Electronics. George was employed with the Transportation Security Administration for eight years as a security officer, before retiring in 2019. He worked for the City of Youngstown as an assistant electrical supervisor, before retiring in 2011. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, grilling, crafting and was an avid Cleveland Browns fan. He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1976 – 1980, receiving the Rifle Marksmanship Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He leaves to mourn two sons, George (Cesi) Pincham III of Seaside, California and Raymond Kharleed of San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Ms. Glenda Pincham Watson of Youngstown; one grandson, Angelo Wiley of Seaside, California and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 9, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., with calling hours from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home, Youngstown Chapel. Burial will take place at Tod Homestead Cemetery. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of George Pincham, Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
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Wayne W. Gamble, Warren, Ohio
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wayne W. Gamble, 69, of Covington, Georgia formerly of Warren, Ohio, departed this life Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Piedmont Newton, following a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Willis and Annie Coleman Gamble. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1973 graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown State University, before becoming an electrician. Wayne was employed for 38 years at Republic Steel, renamed RG Steel, before retiring. He also was a part-time driver for Covington Ford and worked the election polls. He served honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, receiving, the Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, Professional Development Ribbon, Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze star, Army Commendation medal, expert marksmanship badge rifle and sharpshooter marksmanship badge pistol. He was a member of Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C., where he worked security. After moving to Georgia, he attended the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral. He enjoyed attending father & daughter dances with Danika and Aniyah, the Gateway Clipper boat in Pittsburgh, taking his wife to the Poconos and taking her on limousine dates. Wayne also enjoyed going to the gun range, grilling for family and friends, traveling and going on vacation. He was past Master of Rising Sun Lodge #90, 32nd Degree of Bezalel Consistory #15, past Potentate and Deputy of Al Asir Temple #210, Excelsior #39 Royal Arch Masons and Eminent Commander of Golgotha Commandery #36. He leaves to mourn his wife, Karen Logan Gamble of Covington, Geogia; his children, Michael (Julie) Gamble of Delaware, OH, Angel Cash of Austintown, Ohio, Danika Windom of Atlanta, Georgia and Aniyah of Covington, Georgia; Goddaughters, Dr. Erica Booker and Empress Blackwell; aunts, Virginia Coleman, Jennie Coleman, Shirley Green and Daisy Mae Oden; uncle, Simmie Coleman; special friends, Marshall Coney and Eric Hall and a host of relatives and friends. Wayne will be remembered as a gentle giant loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; siblings, Diane Alexander and Dwight Gamble and grandson, Hylan Cash. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C. calling hours will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Masonic Service at 7:00) at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place Monday, April 27 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Wayne W. Gamble, please click here to visit our Sympathy 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
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James Samuel Lagese, Youngstown, Ohio
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – James Samuel Lagese, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 9, 2025, at Austinwoods with his family at his side. Jim was born January 24, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of the late Joseph and Katherine Lagese, and has been a lifelong area resident. Find obituaries from your high school He attended South High School and served in the Army from February 1956 to August 1957. He worked at the Atlantic & Pacifc (A&P) warehouse and the Austintown Road Department. He was a long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and served on several committees over the years. He was also involved in the Cursillo movement and a Bible study group. Jim was an avid sports fan, and coached youth baseball for 17 years at Mill Creek Baseball League with much passion. He fervently cheered on Notre Dame football, the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Browns, and Fitch Falcons. Jim was a car enthusiast and owned with pride and joy a 1958 Pontiac Star Chief, gracing car shows every weekend with friends and loved ones. Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who loved going to the grandchildren's activities with his wife Delores. He had countless friends and their couples club put on the La Gents dance at the Idora Park Ballroom for 14 years and it became the biggest dance in town, with the proceeds going to various organizations. You never had to wonder if Jim was around at any holiday or gathering, as he was always the vocal one with an infectious laugh. Jim will reunite with his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Delores, whom he married June 27, 1959, and preceded him in death in 2014. He will be greatly missed by his two children, his daughter Renee (Joseph) Gugliotti of Boardman and his son Joseph (Amy) of Austintown, his sister Pauline Antronica of Boardman, his four grandchildren, Adrianna Gugliotti (Philip Ciprian), Marisa (Ryan) James of Canfield, Jimmy Lagese of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Jason Lagese of Austintown. He also had two great-grandchildren, Justin and McKenzie James. Family and Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday April 25, 2025, at Fox Funeral Home. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Blaise Parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd. Austintown, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday April 26, 2025, celebrated by Very Rev. Gregory Fedor. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James 'Jim' Samuel Lagese, please visit our floral 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
