General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

 

For Immediate Release: June 17, 2005
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Stephanie Norman (614) 752-2792

 

Evidence found connected to Turnpike murder investigation

COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators of the May 13 robbery/homicide on the Ohio Turnpike of Dr. Gulam Moonda this afternoon found evidence related to the case and some items that belonged to Dr. Moonda during a search on Interstate 80, approximately 12 miles east of the crime scene. Investigators believe the evidence collected today indicates the suspect traveled eastbound on Interstate 80 at some time following the occurrence of the crime. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, items recovered by investigators will not be disclosed at this time.

To date, over 100 interviews have been conducted by investigators on this case, and 67 calls received through the toll-free tip-line. Patrol investigators continue to urge anyone with information on this case to call the 1-866-678-8477 toll-free tip-line, which is being staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.

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.

While no charges or arrests have been made in this case, investigators in Ohio and Pennsylvania believe they are making progress and continue following leads, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence.

The Dr. Moonda Reward Fund of $25,000 has been established through a group consisting of family, friends, and Dr. Moonda's local community. 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.

# # #

05-092

---