Dustin Spaller, 21, was found fatally shot on December 4, 2001, in Recreation Park near the Grand River in Painesville, Ohio. A fisherman discovered his body in the early morning near the park entrance, a spot commonly used for fishing. Autopsy findings showed he had been shot and also suffered multiple blunt-force head injuries, likely from being struck with the muzzle of a firearm, and evidence pointed to a violent struggle before his death.

The night before, Spaller had attended a meeting arranged by Jennifer Jeffries, the estranged wife of Tyrone Jeffries; Jennifer brought Spaller to the park ostensibly to complete a crack cocaine deal with her husband. Investigators describe what appears to have been an ambush during that meeting. Accounts conflict: Jennifer initially described herself as a victim, but later evidence implicated both her and Tyrone. Jennifer Jeffries was charged with multiple crimes, including involuntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. Authorities continue to seek information that could bring further closure in Dustin’s death.

If anyone knew Dustin, witnessed the meeting at Recreation Park, or has information about the Jeffrieses’ involvement, please contact the Painesville Police Department or the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.