Gordon Butch Swindells, 34, was found dead outside his home on Medina Avenue in the North Linden neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, on January 23, 1981. A neighbor discovered his body early that morning and he was pronounced dead at the scene after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. Neighbors reported hearing a gunshot around 1:00 a.m., but the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear.

Swindells worked as a meat cutter for Big Bear and played in a local dart league; those who knew him described him as having a vibrant social life. In the days before his death his wife had filed for divorce and a restraining order, a detail investigators noted in the inquiry. No arrests have been announced and the case remains unsolved; Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment.

If anyone remembers events on Medina Avenue that night or has information about Swindells’ relationships or movements in the weeks before January 23, contact authorities or Crime Stoppers.