Composite sketch released of 1960 rape-homicide suspect

PAULDING – For over 60 years, the suspect who abducted, raped, and killed a 14-year-old in Paulding County has had no face or name to go with his crimes. On Friday, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers released a composite sketch of the suspect and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying him.

According to authorities, on Sunday, November 13, 1960, Nancy Eagleson and her five-year-old sister, Sheryl, were walking home from the movie theater when a man driving a dark car stopped and asked if they needed a ride. When they said that they did not need a ride, according to authorities, the man got out of his car and forced Nancy into his vehicle as Sheryl jumped on the man in an attempt to prevent him from taking Nancy. He pushed Sheryl away and sped off with Nancy, while Sheryl ran to safety at a neighbor’s house.

The abduction occurred at the intersection of Flatrock Drive and E. Jackson Street.

The next day, Eagleson’s body would be found in a wooded area off Township Road 176, approximately 8 miles northeast of the abduction site. She had been shot one time and sexually assaulted.

At the time of the abduction, Sheryl reported that the suspect was an adult white male of a medium build. She remembered the suspect wearing “church clothes” consisting of a tie, overcoat and fedora. She claimed he was wearing black horn-rimmed glasses and had rosy cheeks. Sheryl described the suspect’s vehicle as a dark sedan with a “winged back.”

“I am grateful Sheryl had the opportunity to make a sketch of what she recalls the man’s features looking like nearly 63 years ago,” said Sheriff Landers. “Sheryl was only 5 years old at the time of Nancy’s abduction, so after 63 years, it’s hard to clearly recall every detail, but she did great! I am hopeful this sketch will resonate with someone and will contact my office with their tip.”

The forensic artist has created two composite sketches. One without facial features, because, according to authorities, Sheryl could not remember the details, and a second with generic features.

“This man was seared into the memory of a young girl who survived a heinous crime many years ago,” Yost said. “Now, thanks to forensic artistry at BCI, we can see the suspected killer through her eyes and hopefully discover his identity.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 399-3791.

This article was written by Nate Hinners. Contact Nate at nhinners@huroninsider.com.