Arrest made in 1991 unsolved homicide

NEWARK, Ohio – An arrest was made today in a cold case connected to the death of a Columbus woman.

On August 13th, 1991, Licking County Sheriff’s detectives responded to the scene of a deceased female body discovered on the side of Mill Street road near S.R. 16 in former Lima Township.

The victim was identified as Bonita Parker of Columbus, Ohio.

An extensive investigation took place with potential suspects, but the case lacked evidence needed to make an arrest. The case became cold.

In 2009, detectives decided to resubmit evidence from the case to Ohio BCI in London, Ohio. At that time, a known suspect was identified as a DNA contributor. Gustave “Gus” Sapharas was associated with the body of Bonita Parker, but no other evidence existed associating him with the murder. The case went cold again.

In November of 2015, the case was reviewed again by a detective of the Licking County Sheriff’s Office. With the help of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, forensic scientists and analysts researched Sapharas’ background extensively.

Detective Shenan Day and Lt. Brock Harmon interviewed Sapharas in March of 2016. During the interview at his residence in North Canton, Sapharas was deceptive and admitted his dishonesty while being questioned about the murder of Bonita Parker.

Detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant to charge Gus Sapharas with murder, and searched his apartment in North Canton.

Sapharas will be held in the Stark County Jail until extradition to Licking County in the coming days.

The Licking County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Ohio BCI, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, and the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office to further criminal proceedings.

The case remains open and under investigation.