OHIO VALLEY — November 5, 2026 — A Belmont County jury has reached a guilty verdict in a high-profile double murder trial, the remains of a World War II airman are being returned to Marshall County, and several Ohio Valley communities are addressing infrastructure improvements, government changes and development proposals.
Here is a look at the latest headlines from across the region.
Andrew Griffin Found Guilty in Belmont County Double Murder Trial
A Belmont County jury has found Andrew Isaac Griffin guilty on all counts in connection with the 2021 murders of Thomas and Angela Strussion.
The verdict was delivered Wednesday, November 4, following an eight-day trial. Jurors deliberated for approximately four hours before reaching their decision.
Griffin was convicted of four counts of aggravated murder, each carrying a firearm specification, along with aggravated arson.
Two of the murder counts involved Thomas Strussion, while the other two involved his wife, Angela.
The couple was found shot to death inside their Belmont County home in September 2021.
The trial included testimony from witnesses who described events leading up to the killings, along with evidence presented by investigators.
Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Chris Berhalter has scheduled Griffin’s sentencing for December 1.
Remains of World War II Airman to Return to Marshall County After More Than 80 Years
A Marshall County family is preparing to welcome home a loved one who died while serving his country during World War II.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has identified the remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Sergeant Raymond Carl Richmond.
Richmond was aboard a B-29 bomber that was shot down over Japan in April 1945.
More than eight decades later, his remains have been identified, allowing his family to arrange a final resting place in his home community.
Richmond is expected to be laid to rest at Salem Cemetery on Veterans Day, November 11.
The identification brings long-awaited closure to his family and marks the return of an American service member who had been missing since World War II.
Martins Ferry Hit-Skip Hydrant Case Ends With Guilty Plea
A truck driver from Arizona has pleaded guilty in connection with a hit-skip incident involving a fire hydrant in Martins Ferry.
Ahmad Mageed Hameed, 39, appeared in court remotely Wednesday and entered a guilty plea to obstructing official business.
The case involves damage to a fire hydrant that resulted in approximately $4,300 in water-related costs.
Under the plea agreement, Hameed is expected to pay restitution before his scheduled sentencing on February 24.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.
Wheeling Moves Forward With Proposed Data Center Regulations
Wheeling officials are continuing work on proposed regulations governing data center development within city limits.
The City Council’s rules committee reviewed and modified a draft ordinance Wednesday, including adjustments to some of its financial provisions.
The proposal is intended to establish local requirements for data centers as interest in the facilities continues to grow.
A first reading of the ordinance could take place at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
The measure would still need to proceed through the city’s legislative approval process before becoming law.
Bridgeport Property Owners Seek to Leave Village Limits
Several Bridgeport property owners are asking Belmont County officials to consider removing their properties from the village.
Five property owners along Kirkwood Heights Road have requested that seven parcels be transferred into Pease Township.
During Wednesday’s Belmont County Commission meeting, resident Randy Becker raised concerns about paying village income taxes while receiving none of several municipal services.
According to Becker, the affected properties do not receive village water, sewer, natural gas or trash collection services.
The property owners believe their parcels should no longer remain within village boundaries.
County commissioners are expected to review the submitted plat maps as they consider the request.
No final decision has been announced.
Moundsville City Manager Announces Plans to Retire
Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy has announced plans to retire by May 1, 2027.
Healy has served as city manager since January 2019.
During a meeting this week, City Council directed Healy to begin the process of finding his replacement.
Healy has indicated that he hopes to remain involved during the transition and assist the incoming city manager in becoming familiar with the position.
His departure will mark the end of more than eight years leading the city’s day-to-day operations.
Steubenville Approves Major Wellesley Avenue Reconstruction Project
Steubenville City Council has approved a waterline and roadway reconstruction project along a portion of Wellesley Avenue.
The project will affect approximately 600 feet of roadway.
City Engineer Michael Dolak explained that crews discovered underground damage resulting from previous waterline breaks.
Because of the damage, what was initially planned as a resurfacing project has expanded into a more extensive reconstruction effort.
The work will involve addressing underground infrastructure problems before rebuilding the affected roadway.
Construction could begin in June 2027.
Belmont County GoBus Route Reports Growing Ridership
A newer public transportation route serving Belmont County is showing signs of increased use.
Ohio Department of Transportation official Kirby Dearth told Belmont County commissioners Wednesday that the GoBus Yellow Line has carried approximately 650 passengers since March.
The service is part of Ohio’s intercity bus transportation network, which helps connect communities with destinations beyond their immediate area.
The ridership figures provide an early indication of demand for the route.
Officials will continue monitoring its performance as the service develops.
Stay connected with River News for continuing coverage of local government, court proceedings, public safety, transportation and community developments throughout the Ohio Valley.
Visit RiverNews.org for the latest news and updates.
