ASHLAND — The suspect in three murders and an abduction in Ashland and Richland counties led Richland County authorities on a foot chase in June just one day before a fire at a home on Park Avenue East where one of his victims was found.
Shawn Michael Grate was wanted on a felony child support warrant when he was spotted on June 20 near the intersection of North McElroy Road and U.S. 42.Â
According to Richland County Sheriff’s reports, a sheriff’s deputy noticed Grate near First Merit Bank on U.S. 42. The deputy stopped him and Grate fled while the deputy was talking with him. The deputy pursued Grate, but lost him in the thick wooded area across the street from O’Reilly Auto Parts on U.S. 42.
On June 21, a fire destroyed a vacant house at 1027 Park Avenue East in Madison Township. Tuesday afternoon, Grate led authorities to female remains he had buried in the woods behind the residence. Richland County Prosecutor Bambi Couch Page said Tuesday authorities believe the blaze is linked to the murder.
Grate is scheduled to be arraigned in Ashland County Common Pleas Court Wednesday.
