Posted on 11/29/2003 6:30:02 AM PST by Bosco
Shooting locations Law-enforcement officials are investigating whether 11 shootings on or near I-270 in southern Franklin County are related. One, on Nov. 25, killed a woman. Locations for nine of the shootings are shown; locations for two others are unclear.
Law-enforcement officials confirmed yesterday that this week’s shooting death of Gail Knisley is connected to at least one other deliberate shooting on the Outerbelt.
"Based on ballistics results, we are able to say that at least one other reported case has been positively linked to Mrs. Knisley’s death," Chief Deputy Steve Martin of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said at a news conference yesterday morning.
In addition, two other Outerbelt shootings show similarities based on an analysis of bullets and bullet fragments, but haven’t definitively been connected, Martin said.
He wouldn’t say what confirms the connection or discuss the similarities.
Updates of law-enforcement records yesterday brought to 11 the number of shootings that officials confirm as occurring on or around I-270 in southern Franklin County.
All but two have been in October or November, including two now confirmed as occurring within five hours of Knisley’s death.
The update added some shootings to the list that previously hadn’t been reported and removed others.
Knisley, 62, was shot and killed Tuesday morning as she rode with a friend on I-270 near I-71 and Grove City.
No one else has been hit by gunfire.
Investigators think the shooter is "comfortable" operating in southern Franklin County, Martin said. The person might live, work or drive through the area on a regular basis, he said.
Martin is spokesman for a task force investigating the shootings. On the force are members of the sheriff’s office, FBI, Columbus police and State Highway Patrol.
A special phone line to take calls about the shootings has received more than 150 tips since it was set up a few days ago, Martin said.
Now, Martin is asking the person or people responsible for the shootings to call.
"We desire to open a dialogue with you. Please contact the tip line at 614-462-4646 so that arrangements can be made to establish communication," he said yesterday.
Martin refused to use the word sniper in connection with the shootings. But others question whether a killer is preying on motorists from somewhere along the freeway.
"You just can’t believe someone would be sick enough to be shooting at cars," said Missi Knisley of Washington Court House, Mrs. Knisley’s daughterin-law. "It’s a nightmare."
Mrs. Knisley, also of Washington Court House, was killed when a bullet pierced the driver’s door, crossed the lap of her friend and hit Mrs. Knisley in the left side.
An initial theory, which was quickly discounted, was that it was a hunting accident.
Hunters doubted the idea immediately.
"I don’t know how many times I’ve passed up shots because I didn’t know what was on the other side," said Mike Sturgeon, who was buying a rifle yesterday at Fisherman’s Warehouse on Williams Road, a few miles from where Knisley was shot.
"And I don’t think anyone who is a safe hunter would be that close to the freeway."
Instead, hunters who will be out for the start of deer-gun season Monday could help serve as eyes and ears for investigators, said Jim Lehman, the Division of Wildlife’s district manager for central Ohio.
"There aren’t going to be very many woodlots where something goes on and somebody isn’t there to see it," he said.
Sturgeon said he already has started looking.
"As I’m driving, I’m glancing side to side and thinking what I would do if I saw someone."
Debby Williams lives as close to the shootings as just about anyone.
The back windows of her home on Cabin Road face the on-ramp from I-71 southbound as it merges with I-270 east.
"I’m raising my grandkids and I’m afraid to let them out," Williams said. "We actually heard shots about a month ago."
She said the two shots were separated by a 10-second pause and sounded much louder than the target practice she sometimes hears from a neighbor.
The Jackson Township woman has begun drawing her shades and locking her doors.
"Nothing like this ever happened in this area here. It’s kind of scary."
dnarciso@dispatch.com
jeb.phillips@dispatch.com
Give it time.
And of course all the terrorists will gladly turn in their weapons <(•¿•)>
At this point, who is failing the people? Politicians, the police unions, the Ohio Highway Patrol commanders. Sick.
Can you post the map? I went to the source to see it, but it requires a subscription to view the page.
I believe the FOP endorsed Bush last election. The Ohio Highway Patrol is very against conceal carry and Taft wont sign any bill unless they ok it... I think I dispise Taft.
Yes, but it's kind of small.
Thank you!
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