$25,000 reward being offered by private group through First National Bank

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has established a toll-free tip-line, 1-866-678-8477, for the public to contact with information pertaining to the May 13 robbery/homicide on the Ohio Turnpike of Dr. Gulam Moonda. Investigators encourage those with information on this case to contact the new toll-free tip-line rather than the Patrol’s Berea District Headquarters as had previously been requested. Patrol investigators will staff the toll-free tip-line 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. To date, 91 interviews have been conducted by investigators on this case.

A group of private citizens consisting of family, friends, and Dr. Moonda’s local community have established the Dr. Moonda Reward Fund of $25,000 for information leading to an arrest(s) and conviction(s) in this case. Reward criteria is, in part, for new information, which must be reported through the new toll-free tip-line. The fund is not being managed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and specific criteria for the reward are being established by the private group. Donations to the fund will be accepted only through First National Bank, One FNB Boulevard, Hermitage, PA, 16148.

On May 13, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers responded to a report of an injury on the Ohio Turnpike westbound, near milepost 164, in North Royalton. Upon arrival, troopers discovered Dr. Moonda had been shot in the head after a reported roadside robbery had occurred.

Dr. Moonda, and Dorothy Smouse, 74, both of Hermitage, PA were passengers in a 2000 Jaguar being driven by his wife, Donna Moonda, 46, when they stopped along the Ohio Turnpike to change drivers. It was reported that during that change, an unknown suspect driving a dark colored van stopped with the victim and demanded money. The suspect carried out the robbery, shot Dr. Moonda, and fled the scene. Dr. Moonda died from an apparent single gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene by LifeFlight EMS.

Investigators in Ohio and Pennsylvania continue to follow leads, interview witnesses, and analyze evidence related to this case.

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