World · North America · 1 hr ago
New DNA testing revives 1983 Ohio murder investigation
New forensic testing has revived the investigation into the 1983 murder of Debbie Smith, a 10-year-old girl from Massillon, Ohio.
Debbie disappeared while at a carnival with her mother and brother, and her remains were found near the Tuscarawas River nine days later.
Investigators are re-examining evidence in her case more than four decades after her death.
They are also taking a second look at Robert Buell, who was a suspect in 1983 and was later linked by DNA to the 1981 murder of Tina Harmon.
Buell was executed in 2002 for kidnapping and murdering 11-year-old Krista Harrison.
Debbie’s case is among several killings of girls in northeast Ohio in the early 1980s, and investigators considered whether some were connected.
The new testing may help identify who killed Debbie, but no result or suspect has been confirmed in the information available.
New forensic testing has revived the investigation into the 1983 murder of 10-year-old Debbie Smith in Ohio.
Smith disappeared on June 25, 1983, while at a carnival in Massillon with her mother and brother.
Her remains were found on August 6 beside the Tuscarawas River, about 15 miles from her home.
Investigators are taking a second look at Robert Buell, who was a suspect in 1983 and was later linked by DNA to another child’s murder.
Buell was executed in 2002 for the 1982 kidnapping and murder of 11-year-old Krista Harrison.
- Who
- Debbie Smith, a 10-year-old girl, was murdered. Investigators are revisiting the case.
- What
- New forensic testing has revived the investigation into her murder.
- When
- Smith disappeared on June 25, 1983. Her remains were found on August 6, 1983.
- Where
- She disappeared at a carnival in Massillon, Ohio. Her remains were found beside the Tuscarawas River.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Debbie Smith disappeared while attending a carnival in Massillon with her mother and brother.
A canoeist found human remains beside the Tuscarawas River, later identified as Smith.
Investigators searching Robert Buell’s home seized five white candles.
Buell was executed for kidnapping and strangling Krista Harrison.
Fresh forensic testing has breathed new life into the investigation of Smith’s murder.
- Victim
- Debbie Smith, 10
- Disappearance
- June 25, 1983, at a Massillon, Ohio, carnival
- Remains found
- August 6, 1983, beside the Tuscarawas River
- Suspect revisited
- Robert Buell
- Buell executed
- 2002, for the kidnapping and murder of Krista Harrison