Thursday, July 23, 1998
A day before a Harrison man was to go on trial on a domestic violence charge filed by his wife, the couple was found shot to death in a Harrison parking lot in an apparent homicide-suicide.
Edward Halloran, 52, and Virginia Halloran, 50, were both killed from gunshot wounds Tuesday night, Harrison police said. While police would not say which was the shooter, Hamilton County Municipal Court records say Mr. Halloran killed his wife, then himself.
Their bodies were found in the parking lot of the Bigg's store in Harrison about 10:20 p.m.
Mr. Halloran had been accused of domestic violence by his wife in the past. The couple were in the midst of a heated divorce.
Family members said Tuesday the couple had been married 30 years. Mrs. Halloran had moved out of their Country View Drive. The couple met in the parking lot Tuesday to discuss marital issues, police said.
On March 18, Mrs. Halloran filed a domestic violence complaint against her husband and got a protection order that said Mr. Halloran must stay away from her. A trial was set for Wednesday.
Police were continuing to investigate, but Wednesday the shootings were being treated as a homicide-suicide, Harrison police officials said.
Bacteria in river gives highest reading of year
After five straight weeks of unhealthful bacteria levels, the Ohio River water quality index reached its worst reading of the year this week.
The latest reading - based on samples collected Tuesday - was 40. Any reading above 30 indicates "unhealthful" conditions. Any reading above 41 is considered "very unhealthful."
The index - compiled by the Cincinnati Health Department - measures bacterial pollution caused primarily by untreated sewage reaching the river. While the bacteria is no threat to treated drinking water, high levels increase the risk of infection and disease for recreational users.
Art dealer accused of stealing from CPS
Terrace Park art dealer and consultant David Bowen pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges he pocketed $25,300 from the sale of eight paintings from the Cincinnati Public Schools' (CPS) extensive art collection.
Mr. Bowen, 57, was freed without restrictions on his promise to appear in court or forfeit $10,000.
Mr. Bowen was indicted on two counts each of theft and mail fraud. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 12 months in prison under federal sentencing guidelines.
Grand jurors said he was supposed to help the schools by getting the best price for older, less important pieces in the collection. Instead, the indictment said, Mr. Bowen lied about the sale price and kept the difference.
His trial is set for Sept. 28, prosecutor John DiPuccio said.
Boy charged with rape, assault of stepsisters
A 15-year-old Mount Airy boy faces juvenile charges of rape and gross sexual imposition after allegedly sexually assaulting his three stepsisters.
The boy allegedly raped one of the girls and had sexual contact with the two others. The girls are ages 10, 11 and 13. Their mother reported the offense to police Tuesday. The assault allegedly took place between Sunday and Monday.
The boy is being held in juvenile detention. His case was continued until today in Hamilton County Juvenile Court.
No. 2 at MSD quits for Louisville position
Michael Sweeney, second-in-command at the Metropolitan Sewer District, confirmed Wednesday that he has resigned to take a job with the Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District in Kentucky.
He will serve as primary assistant to the executive director and as director of research and productivity assessment.
Mr. Sweeney said his decision has nothing to do with whether he is being considered for the directorship here. His mentor, Tom Quinn, resigned in April following charges of mismanagement. Mr. Quinn recruited Mr. Sweeney from Indianapolis more than five years ago. Paul Tomes is acting director of MSD.
Mr. Sweeney's resignation takes effect Aug. 21.
No sign of missing kids or drifter in Minerva
MINERVA, Ohio - Their photos have been on TV, their mother has appealed for their return and police have received at least 150 leads, but there is no sign of three siblings missing since July 13.
Police also have not located a drifter, Brian "Scott" Mayhorn, who they suspect knows the children's whereabouts and is wanted on a charge of raping a 13-year-old girl in a separate case.
The FBI, which is investigating, says Mr. Mayhorn knows the children - Tyler Brown, 14, Amanda Palmer, 11, and Wayne K. Palmer, 10 - because he lived at a motel their grandmother owns.
