On October 16, 2011, 89-year-old Harry Smith was found murdered inside his home on State Route 772 in Chillicothe, Ohio. A World War II veteran and lifelong Chillicothe resident, Smith died of blunt force trauma. Investigators say one or more assailants broke into the house, attacked him, and then set the residence on fire in an apparent attempt to cover up the crime. His son Jerry Smith discovered the fire and initially believed the blaze may have caused his father’s death, but authorities later determined the fatal injury occurred before the fire was set.

Police have reported that several items were missing from the home, and robbery has been suggested as a possible motive. The Ross County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continue to investigate, and multiple rewards are being offered, including up to $5,000 from the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office and $5,000 from the Smith family. No suspects have been publicly identified and the case remains unsolved.

If anyone knew Harry, was in the area that night, or has information that could help solve this case, please contact the Ohio BCI or Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers.