What really happened to Tim Cline?
by M. Stewart
I spoke this evening with Wellsville resident Mark Cline and his sister, Ronna, who now resides in Virginia. Their 18-year-old brother, Tim Cline, was found dead in the Hocking River in Athens County in April of 1973. Although Tim’s death was ruled an accidental drowning, the Cline family is convinced that he was murdered.
Working with local private investigator Thom Edgell, Mark finally has been able to get some action on the case in Athens County. According to The Athens News, “On Nov. 9, attorney K. Robert Toy filed a complaint in Athens County Common Pleas Court, seeking a hearing to reconsider the cause-of-death finding on Tim Cline.” Unless current Athens County coroner Scott Jenkinson agrees to the change, there can be no formal homicide investigation.
Rather than summarize the details further, I suggest you read Athens News reporter Jim Phillips’ excellent December 3 story on the Cline case. After reading that story and talking to Mark and Ronna, I’ve concluded that the official version of Tim’s death is less than convincing.
Because Cline’s body was found so long ago and 150 miles from his home, it’s not easy to find anyone in Athens County who has much reason to care about the case. And because the death—accidental or otherwise—occurred in southern Ohio, our local law enforcement officials have never been directly involved.
Here in Columbiana County we’ve seen how more recent unsolved murders have frustrated the families of victims. The Clines have been trying to get action on their brother’s case for nearly 35 years. I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone reading this has information that could be relevant to this case, please call Thomas Edgell & Associates at 330-532-6000.
I spoke this evening with Wellsville resident Mark Cline and his sister, Ronna, who now resides in Virginia. Their 18-year-old brother, Tim Cline, was found dead in the Hocking River in Athens County in April of 1973. Although Tim’s death was ruled an accidental drowning, the Cline family is convinced that he was murdered.
Working with local private investigator Thom Edgell, Mark finally has been able to get some action on the case in Athens County. According to The Athens News, “On Nov. 9, attorney K. Robert Toy filed a complaint in Athens County Common Pleas Court, seeking a hearing to reconsider the cause-of-death finding on Tim Cline.” Unless current Athens County coroner Scott Jenkinson agrees to the change, there can be no formal homicide investigation.
Rather than summarize the details further, I suggest you read Athens News reporter Jim Phillips’ excellent December 3 story on the Cline case. After reading that story and talking to Mark and Ronna, I’ve concluded that the official version of Tim’s death is less than convincing.
Because Cline’s body was found so long ago and 150 miles from his home, it’s not easy to find anyone in Athens County who has much reason to care about the case. And because the death—accidental or otherwise—occurred in southern Ohio, our local law enforcement officials have never been directly involved.
Here in Columbiana County we’ve seen how more recent unsolved murders have frustrated the families of victims. The Clines have been trying to get action on their brother’s case for nearly 35 years. I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone reading this has information that could be relevant to this case, please call Thomas Edgell & Associates at 330-532-6000.
posted by M. | 8:59 PM
12 Comments:
There was another similar murder in Wellsville some time back. A boy was found in the river, accross the tracks near 18th and Riverside. This was also said to be accidental. In the past few years, two former officers were looking into this case. One was told by a chief and former lieutenant to "back off" of the case. The boys sister told that officer to "be careful" and not tell too many he was working on the case because he just might not be working there too long.
I think most people remember that incident , and just about anyone 50 or older has a pretty good idea who did it.....the person is still living in Wellsville , but proving it is a different thing.
I remember when that happened. i was just a kid and i think but not sure was the brother and cousin of my classmates. Just can't remember the name.
Someone in Wellsville needs to write a book: "How to Commit the Perfect Murder," because you all seem to think every death in the town is a murder and "everyone knows who did it but no one can prove it."
I'd actually like a copy of that book myself cause there are a few people I wouldn't mind disposing of (that's a joke, of course)
I am rather suprised that people are not commenting on this post. Its sad that people are either afraid to comment or have just given up and are awaiting the next murder to occur with no solution.
Although a few people have commented on this piece, I suspect most readers do not remember the case, have no connection to it, or have nothing to say about it. Please do not make the mistake of thinking that the number of comments on a given post has anything to do with number of readers. My experience shows there is no connection.
Frankly, I was hoping that the local newspapers might pick up on this story, but so far I haven't seen anything. If local reporters are interested, they can start by talking to Thom Edgell. I talked to Thom earlier this week, and I'm sure he wouldn't mind hooking you up with key sources.
I don't remember and I lived in Wellsville most of my life, including 1973. I can't even imagine what the Cline family has lived through , not knowing what really happened to their son , hoping to find closure.
On the other hand , I do remember the other incident. Maybe it just depends on what is going on in any given persons life at the time.
I hope the story of Tim Cline does not end here.
I'm surprised that you're surprised. Why would anyone reply or take an interest in an unsolved murder? Has it gotten us anywhere to get involved in any of the unsolved murders in Wellsville? I have contacted Inside Edition, FOX News and Court TV on a few of them and not a word. I'll keep trying though
I agree that some people might have information about Tim and are afraid to post it. Matt, maybe you could post a link for a way to contact Thom Edgell.
The incident across the tracks was ruled an accidental drowning at the scene that night by the coroner. From what I was told, the condition of the body was such that it probably wasn't an accident.
Password--
Good point. The phone number for Thomas Edgell & Associates is 330-532-6000.
With regards to the one accross the tracks, the family went and checked the persons house that this boy was suppose to be with. That person said they had not seen him. So the family went to the river area within feet from this particular house. The boy was not there. They left and the boy was found dead about a half hour later in the exact same spot they had already checked. The dead boy also had an uncle who was a police officer at the time. The uncle even told family members to back away from it.
I met a Cline family member last year at the Riverside Reunion. I suggested she contact William Dear, an investigator from Texas who was looking into a murder that had occurred in Leetonia years before, and whom had also written a book about the O.J. Simpson murder trial. I can't remember the title of that book but, basically, Dear pointed out that it was O.J.'s son who had actually committed the murder of Simpson's ex-wife. Dear made a very compelling case in attempting to prove that Jason Simpson murdered Nicole Brown Simpson. No matter . . . I suggested that the Cline's hire Dear to look into Tim's mysterious demise. Whether or not they took my advice is not important -- but I still hold that they should contact Dear, or perhaps, Nancy Grace. Hey, how about contacting Nancy regarding the Tonia Amato "homicide"????? (It wasn't murder, was it?)
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