An OPEN LETTER to … Anyone Who Knows More About Double Murder …

-

To Members of the General Public:

Yes, an arrest has been made, and the invaluable “innocent before proven guilty” process has begun in Belmont County to solve two murders more than three years since the tragedies took place in September 2021. That’s why now is the time to come forward and offer whatever random information you know about the evil that took place inside that house on Trails End Road.

It doesn’t matter who you are, what you know, or how the information you could share would affect the case, there’s that unspoken duty about justice and protecting your fellow man and woman in situations like these. There’s that “do the right thing” mantra that echoes inside the minds of good people no matter why you might know what you know.

Even if you only think you saw or heard it, or if the info seemed like nothing all this time until, perhaps, you heard the new news about the arrest in Hawaii and, for whatever reasons, something now begins to make more sense than it did before. One way or any other way, the time is now for 2+2 to continue adding up to 4.

There’s a whole heck of a lot of people who would appreciate the assistance. Thanks in advance.

Sincerely,

‘Merica

Steve Novotney
Steve Novotney
Steve Novotney has been a professional journalist for 33 years, working in print for weekly, daily, and bi-weekly publications, writing for a number of regional and national magazines, host baseball-related talks shows on Pittsburgh’s ESPN, and as a daily, all-topics talk show host in the Wheeling and Steubenville markets since 2004. Novotney is the co-owner, editor, and co-publisher of LEDE News, and is the host of “Novotney Now,” a daily program that airs Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. on River Talk 100.1 & 100.9 FM.

LATEST POSTS

The Letter: Hancock County Superintendent Requests State Aid

The letter is dated January 6th and signed by Superintendent Dan Enich.

Wheeling Nailers News & Notes – Jan. 8, 2026

The team is home for three games in three days this weekend.

WPD Releases Annual Crime Statistics for 2025

Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said the impressive data reflects both departmental efforts and community cooperation.

WVDOT Offers Details on Washington Avenue Bridge Collapse

Three Merlo employees were injured and transported to Wheeling Hospital.