Sheriff Announces "Person Of Interest" In Katelyn Markham Case

By Mike Perleberg Homicide victim Katelyn Markham's remains were discovered in Franklin County in April of 2013. (Butler County, Oh.) - The Butler County Sheriff’s Office says it has identified a person of interest in the death of Katelyn Markham. The 22-year-old from Fairfield, Ohio disappeared from her home in 2011. In April of 2013, Markham’s skeletal remains were found along Big Cedar Creek in Cedar Grove. Growing frustrated with the lack of developments in the case, Markham’s father asked the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to investigate her death last year. The Fairfield Police Department and Indiana State Police have been investigating the case. Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones announced Wednesday that investigators have identified “a strong singular person of interest” in the Markham case, as well as that in the murder case of 15-year-old Chelsea Johnson. Johnson was found stabbed to death in a creekbed about a mile from her home in 2012. “Chelsea Johnson’s investigation was presented at a Grand Jury and was left open by the Grand Jury. The Katelyn Markham investigation was conducted in conjunction with the Indiana State patrol and Fairfield Police Department. After a 9 month review of the case, the Sheriff’s office was able to eliminate some persons of interest,” said Sgt. Rob Whitlock. No name has been released and no arrest has been made. “These are very tough cases for everyone involved. They were just kids honestly, and you really want someone to be brought to justice for these heinous acts,” Sheriff Jones said. “If anyone has any information at all on either of these cases, I urge you to call. Even something that may seem small can be huge in helping these victim’s families, and aid in getting those responsible off the street and behind bars.” Anybody with information on the Markham or Johnson cases should contact Detective Joe Nerlinger with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office at (513) 759-7344. A documentary film about Katelyn Markham's death was released in August. RELATED STORIES: Katelyn Markham Documentary Premieres, Will Be Available On DVD Report: Katelyn Markham’s Father Wants Case Moved Katelyn Markham’s Father Tells TV Station About “Frustration” With Investigation Reward Grows For Information In Katelyn Markham Murder Katelyn Markham’s Death Ruled A Homicide Markham’s Remains Still Being Studied Markham’s Remains Taken To Indianapolis Human Remains Identified As Missing Ohio Woman Report: Woman’s Skull Found In Bag