The family of Marie Schuholz sued the city of Sharonville on Tuesday, claiming the police department destroyed or hid evidence in the investigation of her death 20 years ago.

        Mrs. Schuholz's children say the city's police failed to pursue evidence that would have led them to a quick arrest of their stepfather, Albert J. Schuholz Jr.

        Mr. Schuholz, 70, was charged with the crime in 1999, after he was convicted of another crime: plotting to kill his fourth wife.

        Mr. Schuholz has not been prosecuted in Mrs. Schuholz's killing because he claims he is mentally incompetent. He remains housed in a mental facility.

        The wrongful-death lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, seeks unspecified damages from the city, some former city employees and Mr. Schuholz.

        The suit claims the detective who investigated the case in 1981 used to work for Mr. Schuholz as a loan collector.

        The family accuses the detective, James Cramer, of lying to them and covering up evidence. Mr. Cramer, now retired, could not be reached for comment.

        Sharonville officials had not yet seen the lawsuit Tuesday, but Mayor Virgil Lovitt said he was disappointed.

        The mayor said city officials reopened the case in 1998 in hopes of finally giving closure to Mrs. Schuholz's family.

        “We thought we were doing it for the benefit of the families,” Mr. Lovitt said. “I guess I'm disappointed if that is going to come back to haunt us.”

        Mrs. Schuholz was beaten and stabbed to death in her apartment in 1981, along with her friend, Starla Burns. Police believe Mr. Schuholz hired someone to kill them.

        The case was reopened after Mr. Schuholz was convicted in Kentucky of plotting to kill his fourth wife. He is serving a 10-year sentence for that crime.

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