Ohio State Highway Patrol
Media Release

 

General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

 


For Immediate Release: August 1, 2005
Contact: Lt. Tony Bradshaw (614) 752-2792

 

Patrol investigators search yields new evidence on Ohio Turnpike

Investigators discover victim’s driver license, credit card, and business cards

COLUMBUS – Ohio State Highway Patrol investigators found Dr. Gulam Moonda’s driver license, business cards, and credit card while conducting a search of an area just south the Ohio Turnpike today. The items were discovered in tall grass not far from the eastbound lanes of the Ohio Turnpike, near milepost 176 in Boston Township, south of Cleveland, within a mile of other evidence found earlier in the investigation.

The search was prompted after investigators were alerted to Dr. Moonda’s wallet and additional evidence by a man walking on property adjacent to the Ohio Turnpike, between mileposts 175 and 176. Assistance with the search was provided by the Peninsula Police Department and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Rangers.

Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, additional details will not be disclosed at this time.

Patrol investigators continue to urge anyone with information on this case to call the 1-866-678-8477 toll-free tip-line.

While no charges or arrests have been made in this case, investigators in Ohio and Pennsylvania are making progress and continue to follow leads and analyze evidence.

On May 13, 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.

The Dr. Moonda Reward Fund of $25,000 was established through a group consisting of family, friends, and Dr. Moonda’s local community. Reward criteria are, in part, for new information, which must be reported through the new toll-free tip-line and the fund is not being managed by the Patrol. Donations to the fund will be accepted only through First National Bank, One FNB Boulevard, Hermitage, PA, 16148.

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05-122


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