BLADENSBURG — As investigations continue into the homicide death of Jean Davis and the recent burglaries in the area, Bladensburg residents continue to feel uneasy.
Related
A map of the recent burglaries and other crimes committed in the Bladensburg and Martinsburg areas.
Recent crime wave has residents on edge December 22, 2009
Davis’ family, friends searching for answers December 22, 2009
Victim’s truck recovered in Licking County December 21, 2009
Sheriff’s office investigating death on Dennis Church Road December 21, 2009
Bladensburg, Martinsburg area burglaries remain unsolved December 14, 2009
Shooting leaves Wallace with injuries, emotional scars December 10, 2009
Investigation continues in shooting December 2, 2009
MV man hospitalized after shooting December 1, 2009
“People I’ve talked with, everybody is still on edge,” said Marc Wood, who was burglarized twice in October. “I hope they do catch these guys, whoever’s doing the burglaries, but I hope for sure they catch the person who killed Ms. Davis.”
The 54-year-old Davis was found shot outside of her back door on Dec. 20. Following an autopsy, Dr. Jennifer Ogle, Knox County coroner, confirmed she died of a gunshot wound to the head.
Davis’ truck, which was taken from her home when she was killed, was recovered in Licking County on Dec. 21. The truck, a tan 2002 Chevy Avalanche, was found a block away from the Licking County Justice Center in Newark.
“You hope that the cold weather will keep somebody from doing anything more, but you never know,” said Wood.
Larry Stimpert, owner of Davidson’s Market in Bladensburg, said there have been about 30 to 40 burglaries in the Bladensburg and Martinsburg area since the spring. Items taken have included a camper, chain saws, guns, big screen TV, jewelry and tools.
“Between the shootings — there’s been two shootings each within two miles of Bladensburg — I would say everybody I have talked to has a loaded gun at home,” he said. “The ones that didn’t before, do now.”
In response to the recent events, Stimpert now carries a gun.
“I don’t have a concealed carry permit, so I’m carrying it open on my side,” he said, adding that he has not had an adverse reaction from his customers.
“A lot of people have said they didn’t blame me,” he said. “I work 10 to 12 hours every day at the store.
“A lot of us didn’t used to have our doors locked, but we do now,” he said. “At night, when you go someplace. I know some women who have bought pepper spray.”
Stimpert, a resident of Bladensburg since 1973, said he has never heard anything as to whether law enforcement has a suspect or suspects.
Knox County Sheriff David Barber previously stated that the burglaries have occurred primarily during daylight hours when residents are not home, with thieves taking guns, electronics, cash, jewelry, medication, collectibles and other valuables. Storage buildings and sheds have also been targets for theft.
Barber also previously stated he does not think the burglaries are related to a shooting incident which occurred on Divan Road on Nov. 29. In that incident, two men armed with guns allegedly attacked Nick Wallace and Frank Thompson during a robbery in Thompson’s garage.
An attempt to talk with Barber yesterday on the status of the investigations was unsuccessful.
Discuss this story Residents uneasy after crimes