Police working to Increase Reward in Unsolved Murder

Three years ago the body of Priscilla Hickman – known as Dondi – was found strangled to death in her Heath home. Authorities are now upping the ante – hoping a larger reward will bring the information they need to solve the crime.

Licking County Crime Stoppers has been offering up to $1,000 for information in the case, but now Heath Police Chief Tony Shepherd is in the works to add an additional $5,000 from the department’s law enforcement trust fund.

"I think adding $5,000 and giving the fact we’re so close, I think it’ll be an incentive, it’s my hope anyway it will be incentive for that person or persons to come forward," said Shepherd.

Shepherd said the concealed body of Hickman was discovered by her sister Michelle Laverty. WHIZ spoke with Laverty on the phone, who said the family continues to search for any information.

"I’ve got very talented people assigned to the case and they’re working very hard and I want to see their hard work pay off," said Shepherd. "I want the family to have some sort of closure to this."

Shepherd said a person of interest in the case is described as a white male, between 40 and 60 years old. He is tall, between 6’4" and 6’7" and very thin. The man also has several tattoos, including a skeleton on his arm, spider web on his elbow, and a woodpecker with a cigar in its mouth on his chest.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Heath Police Department or Licking County Crime Stoppers. Hickman’s family has also established a tip line and a Facebook Page.

Contact Information

Heath Police Department: (740) 522-2141

Licking County Crime Stoppers: (740) 349-6888

Family Tip Line: (740) 877-4909

Facebook.com/DondiHickman