Crime Stoppers offering reward for tips in murder case

NEWARK, Ohio – The Licking County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up $1,000 for information that could lead to an arrest of a man connected to a murder.

According to the Licking County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 23 Columbus police found an abandoned van that was connected to the death of Ruth Hackney of Pataskala. Hackney’s son Russell Littrell was arrested and charged with her death.

Authorities are now looking for a black male, last seen wearing a white t-shirt, burgundy sweat pants, blue or gray sneakers, and a black backpack. The man described is connected to the abandoned van.

If you have any information that could lead to an arrest you are urged to call Licking County Crime Stoppers at (740) 349-6888 or 1-8888-488-9058.