Jesse Houser was 34 when his body was found on July 7, 2017, inside the trunk of a Dodge Neon parked near 346 South Wayne Avenue in west Columbus, Ohio. A bystander reported a suspicious vehicle after noticing the trunk was unlatched with flies and blood spots; Columbus police responded and discovered Houser in the trunk. The car had been left near an abandoned house, which contributed to the unusual circumstances at the scene.

The Columbus Division of Police classified the death as a homicide and has asked the public for help identifying those responsible. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment. No suspects have been publicly identified and the investigation remains ongoing. If anyone has information that could assist investigators, contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS or submit an anonymous tip online.