26°Body found in Sandusky backyard
09:29 AM
Aug 25
2010
Aug 25
2010
Sandusky
Sandusky police are investigating the death of a man found lying in his backyard after what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neighbors found a middle-aged man unconscious in the alley between two garages Tuesday night, just outside his home at 1015 Fourth St.
One neighbor tried to perform CPR on the man, who was bleeding heavily from his head, police Det. Eric Graybill.
Graybill stopped short of saying the bleeding was caused by a gunshot wound, but neighbors said they saw police remove a small handgun from the scene and empty the remaining bullets.
“There was a lot of blood on the head, so it was hard to tell if there was an entry wound or not,” Graybill said.
Staff from the Koch Funeral home removed the body, and the coroner will perform an autopsy.
Although it appeared to be a suicide, Graybill said, detectives should have more information today after receiving the autopsy results.
Meanwhile, about half a dozen neighbors gathered around a porch on Erie Street, directly in front of the man’s home.
Erie Street resident Phil Gast said he occasionally waved to the man in passing. He was in his 50s and lived alone.
Stacy Fisher, who lives on Third Street and stopped by to see what had happened, said children often run through the alley where the man was found.
“All these kids were just out there playing right before this,” Fisher said. “It would have been horrible if they saw it.”
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08:28 PM
Tman says
Montego and concerned.......guess I have to take back "enough said" from my last comment.
You two: Wake up, listen up (or do whatever it takes) and try to be intelligent enough to get something through your thick skulls! Never once did I comment on whether this was a suicide or not! It may or may not have been. What we are trying to get through to you is how this incident was handled by the incompetent SPD after the fact!
Hmmmmmm........maybe enough said now?
07:23 PM
Tman says
06:26 PM
4_Justice says
Tman - please don't respond to these idiots...
Montego and concernedsubject:
You state it's always easier to blame someone else? Next, you claim "the cops would be able to determine whether someone committed suicide or not"? Are you really that ignorant? Legally, the cops have no right nor are they in a position to determine if a death is a suicide. Until the coroner's ruling, it is treated as a homocide. You probably don't understand legalities, but do your homework before you make an ignorant statement. You don't get why everyone bashes that department? Do you actually pick up a newspaper and attempt to read it, or are you the type that just signs on and adds your two cents via blogs? If you don't read, perhaps you should start - you can actually learn something. Furthermore, you state the LAST thing you would do is blog on the Sandusky Register if your brother just died? Do you think we're sitting here 24 hours a day, unlike you I'm sure, writing on this blog? No, we're having to defend ourselves against idiots like you and the way the SPD and SR handled this. In what other forum would you like us to air our "laundry"? I would be more than happy to stand in front of your city officials and "air my laundry". Better yet, I would invite you to attend while doing so - if you're that concerned with our disgust, please make an effort to attend. Plain and simple, things were botched all the way around, and if you think this is a shut case, contact the SR for more information - just heard from them today regarding a follow-up to the story originally printed and released.
Montego and concernedsubject, if you would like to continue this, please contact the SR for my contact information. Like I told your brethern, Perkins2060, I would actually be amused during my time of grieving. Otherwise, leave us alone, we're tired.
05:16 PM
MontegoBay1 says
Good point ConcernedSubject.....but I highly doubt they will apologize....while I agree that Sandusky is getting bad, I have to believe that the cops would be able to determine whether someone committed suicide or not......I just dont get why everyone bash's that department......and once again.....if my brother just died, the LAST thing I would do is blog on the SR........
05:12 PM
MontegoBay1 says
Like I said....ALWAYS easier to blame someone else....whatever helps you...while I am sure you two are not making this up that you are related to Bob, if you have such issues...why are you airing all this "laundry" on this newspapers blog...if my brother just died, I dont think I would be blogging on the Sandusky Register's website......just a little strange to me...hmmmm
03:22 PM
concernedsubject says
TMan:
So if the coroner rules it a suicide and it is determined to be so....
I suspect you will apologize to SPD for bashing them????
08:49 PM
Tman says
To MontegoBay1 - I invite you to read the lasted headlines AND comments:
"Gunshot leads to lock down at Jackson Learning Center"
Wake up call for you.........since you've been hibernating!
08:21 PM
Tman says
MontegoBay1 - First I'll respond to your questions and comments by saying my brother beat me to responding and I must say he answered very well.
But to add to his response directed to you: You should read all of my comments before you come to a conclusion. So word for word I did say "All of you decent people left in Sindusky need to throw in the towel and head out of that scum filled town" And then you go on to say I'm blaming someone else for my issues??? Who did I "blame"? The truth is the truth! Lastly I did move out of that scum filled town long ago. Want to hear some of the experiences I've encountered while living there? Didn't think so!
Hope you stay in Sindusky. And as my brother stated above........best of luck to you.
08:52 AM
4Justice says
To MontegoBay1
I, too, am Bob’s brother. While I don’t reside in the area, I do follow the news stories and the constant tragedies within the community. Tman never said everyone that lives in Sandusky are "horrible". You obviously didn’t read my earlier comments, all of which are spot on according to our conversations with the SPD. Why do we blame SPD for a botched “investigation” and such a quick assessment of suicide? First, for them to make the determination Bob killed himself approximately 30 minutes after finding the body is completely preposterous. I always thought an autopsy was needed to confirm the cause of death. Second, Chief of Police Sams lied by stating they had permission by a family member to enter the house and search Bob’s computer. This never happened. Additionally, SPD on no account had family members identify the body – complete incompetency on their part. Here’s the kicker – I was told that night by Cottrill of the SPD that he personally took Bob’s garden hose and washed down the blood around the crime scene – hose marks could be found in the yard. Are you kidding me? Furthermore, Graybill told me on Wednesday they were continuing their investigation and will interview neighbors, friends, co-workers and employer – as of today, this hasn’t happened. Finally (I could go on), a neighbor told us they saw a car abruptly exit Bob’s driveway shortly after the gunshot was heard. Don’t you think this neighbor would have been interviewed by SPD to get a description of the car, etc.? And you ask why everyone (obviously you admit we’re not the only ones) in that crime-ridden town blame the police? This troubling event, combined with all the other unfortunate killings in Sandusky, should give you some sort of suspicion regarding the thinking and uneasiness of the more honorable people of Sandusky sense. Tman has moved out for those very reasons. Bob’s neighborhood was in good order when he moved in 20 years ago. Look at it now. Metro housing on either side of him, a guy next door just getting out of prison for dealing, gun carrying thugs constantly running through his yard and the alley behind his property, etc... This is what Bob experienced on a daily basis, and if you read Tman’s comments about Bob going to the SPD only to have them brush him off, what else is one going to think? If you’re that content living in Sandusky, stay there and let these no-goods continue to ruin everything that once made it safe to live there…Best of luck to you.
05:41 AM
MontegoBay1 says
TMan...I am sorry for your loss, but why do you blame SPD????? Why does everyone always blame the cops??? I have never understood that...only thing I can think of is it is ALWAYS easier to blame someone else for your issues. In this case, I dont know what the police could have done to stop this?? You dont like the police, you think that all the people that live there are horrible...here's a thought, why dont you move??
05:34 AM
Tman says
4_Justice - I couldn't have said it better!
Perkins2060 - It's time for you to crawl back under the rock you came from. Possibly you were on top of the rock half submerged in a body of water? That would then determine you are the slime that was hanging from the rock!
Again to all of the rest of you people, thanks so much for your uplifting and thoughtful comments.
Rest in peace Brother Bob. You will be missed much by many.!
11:15 PM
4_Justice says
Perkins2060
What kind of cowardly idiot are you? Please don't use this as your agenda to express your favor for a political party, hopping on the bandwagon flavor of the day. Your words reflect the type of person you are, someone wavering between this and that without the ability or intelligence needed to make a stand for yourself. It's easy to go through life without actually thinking for yourself, isn't it? Please, for the sake of society, go back and learn something so you can actually add some value to a conversation instead of wandering aimlessly through life, looking to hang on the threads of others. I am a family member, so If you would like to continue this discussion, ask the paper for my information - would love to chat, it could actually be quite entertaining for me during this time of grieving.
09:08 PM
Darkhorse says
Tman, I am sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting your brother and working on a project with him. I don't believe this was a suicide especially with what was going on in the neighborhood. I am not surprised that Bob took up the cause and did the best he could with what he had to work with in the neighborhood. I find it interesting that he would carry a gun, but if the neighborhood was that rough and he was watching over the neighborhood, I guess I would carry a gun also. Sometimes, you just have to take a stand on things. I am sure the neighborhood has suffered a great loss. Everyone should have a Bob Chapman on their block. He doesn't strike me as a type that would commit suicide.
08:43 PM
Salvatore says
I want to dedicate a song to Bob. Maybe I had met Bob in my journey through life. From what I have read about Bob, his love of animals and his passion to make things right, I want to dedicate this particular song to Bob. Bob had HEART AND SOUL!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9-WLXm_faE
Bob, you will be missed. : (
12:00 AM
4_Justice says
Cover up? Absolutely....there is absolutely no one that would be able to decipher if it was a suicide 30 minutes after finding the body. Did SPD check for fingerprints before making their assessment? Absolutely not. Did they interview family members before drawing their conclusion? Again, no. Did they ask the family to identify Bob's body? Never gave them the courtesy. Lastly, did they wash down the blood of the crime scene with a hose, like they told various family members? Finally, a YES. Only the thinking of a totally incompentent person can lead to such unbelievable actions. Regarding Bob, he was the most gentle person I knew - never would hurt anyone. But he did stand up for justice and attempted to drive the thugs, drugs and trash out of his neighborhood. For his good deeds he was treated like the very person that honorable, stand-up citizens like Bob have come to despise. I ask you, the citizens of Sandusky, if you are sick and tired of the crime and trash that has overcome your city, stand up for what you believe in...protect your families and take back your city. Please don't ever think that your actions and words would not make a difference in the fight against crime and injustice. Don't give these uneducated (yes, they will never have the intelligence or desire to pick up a newspaper) no goods the satisfaction of thinking they can control the people of an entire city. You ARE NOT at their mercy.
Rest in Peace, Bob. For you are now in a place where no one can hurt you.
01:25 PM
Mime Bloggling says
Tman so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family. The truth will come out. Grave-dancers like Perkins 2060 fortunately are few and far between.
12:58 PM
Tman says
Many heartfelt thanks to all and their uplifting comments. The truth WILL be known but unfortunately not read in the Ragister. Yes I am bitter towards the Sindusky low life, the Ragister and the SPD. But the blanket will adventually be pulled back to uncover what has not been brought to light.
Rest in peace my beloved brother.
11:34 AM
Julie R. says
I question if the SPD gave the SR the correct information. Seems to me somebody on another story said he knew a police officer (not from Sandusky) that used to brag how the police would intentionally give the papers incorrect information and then laugh about it.
08:49 AM
Salvatore says
I question if this was really a suicide and self-inflicted. First the Ragister wrote that Bob was found in his back yard. Then later in the story, it mentions that Bob was found in the alley between two garages Tuesday night. Which is it Ragister, alley or backyard? Something doesn't jive here if this was self-inflcted. Is it possible Bob went out into the night with his gun to check on thugs and was overpowered by thugs? Even if Bob was holding the gun, the thugs could have grabbed Bob's hand and turned the gun toward Bob. The thugs could have done the same with a police officer. If a police officer was investigating thugs during the night and the thugs shot the police officer with his own weapon, would the police be so quick to say it was a suicide? Think about it. My condolences to Bob's family/
07:09 AM
Motherof2 says
The Register should have no right to print addresses and living status. Thank you, Sandusky Register, once again, for your unprofessionalism. Why did you need to do that again??? Don't you realize what you put families through when you carelessly print information that is personal or untrue? Have you never gone through the tragedy of losing someone, only to have that pain compounded by the Sandusky "Rag"ister printing things without verifying or finding out the truth FIRST ??? My heart aches for Bob's family. My sympathies and prayers are with you for the loss of your brother/family member. I hope the good memories of the people who truly knew Bob as the kind man that he was helps you through this difficult time. May God give you strength to get through this tragedy and not let people's false opinions damper what the rest of know to be the loss of a respected and loving man. Rest in peace, Bob.
07:01 AM
Motherof2 says
As a prior neighbor of this man, I can tell you he was a one of a kind. It was in my garage that he found Lucky and nursed her to health after her mother was hurt and couldn't come back. He was a gentle, loving and kind soul. He was good to my children and I, who lived right next door for years. He was helpful and protective. He was a dependable and good man. He was the perfect neighbor. From personal recent experience with the Sandusky Register, it is no wonder your paper is going downhill fast. The people of Sandusky choose to read the Lorain Morning Journal over it because it prints lies before it even tries to verify the truth...anything to sell papers. What happened to the local paper who wants to watch out for it's locals?? I'm sure that this man was doing something to help someone else when this tragedy happened, whether it was one person or the whole neighborhood. The register just wants to print anything bad thinking the headlines will sell more papers. You think, by now, they would realize there is always more to the story...and they are usually WRONG with what they print. But, of course, you won't read "the truth" in their paper anytime soon ! Bob, I know what you were doing was for the good of that neighborhood. May you rest in peace and I will always remember you as a favorite neighbor. I hope your kitties find a good, loving home like yours was. May your spirit be at rest and be with God.
03:06 AM
jamo says
SR - Please follow up on this story.
02:58 AM
jamo says
Tman-I'm sorry for your loss. Having only lived a few houses down from your brother, I knew what a standup guy he was. How he helped out his neighbor across the street, how he would pick up trash in the street. And especially how he would stand up to and chase the criminal element out from the neighborhood. Having witnessed him chase hooligans out of that ally, and knowing he would sometimes have his gun in his pocket while doing so. I find this incident, bewildering. I personnaly have my doubts about this being "self-inflicted".
12:52 AM
katelih says
Tman, I am starting to wonder if SPD is not hiding something about this case. You sound very unhappy with their actions. I am sorry I assumed this was an " open and shut case". I have to stop being so naive ! Your brother sounds like he was well liked/loved. I am so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine losing one of my brothers. oooooo (hugs)
10:30 PM
Tman says
By the way Sindusky Register - You printed my brothers address and stated he lived alone??? As far as I'm concerned you join the rest of most of Sindusky in the classification as being low life no good trash!!! Again. to the rest of you decent people in that trash filled town, it's time to get out while the going is good.....using that word very looseley.
Rest in peace my beloved brother. You certainly tried to clean up the area you lived in but you were surrounded by trash. In fact I was told by a neighbor.......word for word......"this neighborhood will never be the same and it will go down hill without him around".
SPD......your incompetence / unprofessional actions / misguided decisions WILL be revealed!!! Time for a wake up call !!!
Rest in peace my beloved brother.
09:38 PM
Tman says
Hey Sindusky Register - My comment didn't contain profanity! All I said was for "Perkins" to shove their insensitive comments (blame this on Bush) where the sun doesn't shine! Keep in mind this has to do with my beloved brothers death and I'm ready to defend him to the end!
Wait and see........more truth WILL be known about this tragic situation.
Rest in peace Brother Bob!
05:58 PM
Tman says
Moderators have removed this comment because it contained profanity. Discussion Guidelines11:17 AM
Perkins2060 says
This has to be George Bush's fault.
07:30 AM
HG419 says
My condolences to the family and friends of this man. May God be with you all during this difficult time!! HG41906:24 AM
BW says
T man sorry for your loss i know the person that tried to help your brother but nothing could be done. May he rest in peace. And you are on track with the statement that our town is going downhill .
11:28 PM
Tman says
Columbus - I don't know Sharon Johnson. But I do know my brother went to the SPD at one time to file a complaint against area thugs (he was part of the block watch in his area) and the officer on duty looked at him and said "what do you want me to do?".........Hmmmmmmm.......wouldn't you think that a supervising officer on duty would answer his own question(s)? Maybe my brother should have brought home the officers wages. The bottom line is Sindusky is full of trash that is out control. Gangs, punks, and so on. ..................be them white, black, green, yellow, or red........or wharever color!!!!
11:12 PM
columbus avenue says
Doesn't he live near Sharon Johnson? See? Neusse is correct.
10:47 PM
Tman says
Thanks so much Sal and Kat - Trying times only make us stronger. At least that is what I'm standing on now. One of my brothers cats is named Lucky. He found a litter in a shed near his home and tried to save them. Only one made it after he bottle fed them and he named her Lucky.
Thanks for helping me to deal with this tragic loss.
God Bless All Of You!
Sal - Still love your sign! I'm sure my brother would agree with you 100% He didn't put up with thugs!
10:34 PM
My Name says
To Tman and his family I am very sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you and sorry you have to put up with as*es on here R.I.P Tman's brother
10:31 PM
katelih says
This is a sad tragedy. Tman, I dont know how you are feeling but I do know this could happen to any family. I am so sorry, this time ,it happened to yours. These are very trying times . May GOD remain with you and your family and friends and comfort you all.
10:19 PM
Salvatore says
Oy Tman, I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Any animal lover or any cat lover must have been a very compassionate person. I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved brother. I do not have the words to express my feelings but know that I am so sorry. : (
10:16 PM
Tman says
Thanks ritt - I do believe God has better plans for all of us that believe in Him. My faith will NEVER waver!
10:02 PM
ritt says
My thoughts and prayers to you tman and your family. If there were something I could do to make it better, I would. Look past the naysayers here to your faith in God, and that he has a better plan for your Brother!
09:45 PM
Tman says
Thanks Kat - You put a smile on my face.........first since I got the phone call. My brother was an avid animal lover. In fact there are two cats there that need a loving home.
Thanks again for your condolences.
Rest in peace my beloved brother. May the Lord Jesus Have You and Hold You in His LOVING Arms!
09:19 PM
Kottage Kat says
To the Family,
Sorry for your loss.
kat;}
07:59 PM
Tman says
You might say tomato or tamato.......I really don't care! What I will say is all of you decent people left in Sindusky need to throw in the towel and head out of that scum filled town. There are more punks, dopers, thugs, and outright no good low life than anybody can imagine. I know this as a fact. I unfortunately used to live there.
To the city of Sindusky: keep bringing in government sudsidised housing, paying their rent, putting food on their tables and clothes on their backs............your doing a fine job!
To cooke: There is much more to be said and investigated on this one. A neighbor heard what they believed was a "fire cracker".
To Curious: This guy was my loved brother.
To my Brother: May God Love You and Hold You. May You Rest in Peace My Brother!
05:30 PM
Taxed Enough Already says
You say tomato, tamato...let's call the whole thing off.
01:35 PM
Joker says
FYI everyone it is "champing" at the bit not "chomping" at the bit. Sorry, pet peeve.
Dispatch to 2083...
12:26 PM
curious says
So, who was they guy??
11:54 AM
here in ohio says
OMG SHUT UP mrsandusky !
10:20 AM
MrSandusky says
I wonder if Annie is chomping at the bit to take a picture of his fresh grave too.
09:35 AM
cooke says
So no one heard a gun shot?
-R.