Search continues for Ohio County killer as elderly victim is laid to rest

OHIO COUNTY, Ky. (WEHT) — The search for a killer continues as an elderly woman is laid to rest one week after authorities say she was stabbed to death in her own home.

It’s the crime the Ohio County sheriff called “one of the worst” that he’s seen.

“This, right now, appears to be a home invasion gone wrong. This appears that somebody was there to initially break into the residence, and maybe she’d confronted them at the front door,” Ohio County Sheriff Adam Wright.

On Wednesday afternoon, the community remembered the life of Norma June Greenwell at a ceremony in Beaver Dam. According to her obituary, the 81-year-old great-grandmother was an Avon representative and church member who worked with various 4-H groups.

Officers found Greenwell’s body in the front portion of her home. She lived alone in the 200 block of Nineteen School Road. Family members say she was careful about who she opened the door for.

“We feel that she might have known this person. So, she [may have] unlocked the door, allowing this person to come into the residence. Shortly after this, that’s when the struggle took place,’ says Sheriff Wright.

Law enforcement meticulously combed through each room in the house, even going as far as to remove the door from its hinges to take for evidence. Sheriff Wright says it’s been all hands on deck for manpower and equipment. The Owensboro Police Department, Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, and Kentucky State Police are assisting. He’s even reached out on the federal level.

“This doesn’t happen in our county…like the occasional thefts, shoplifting, the occasional pursuits, you know, drug arrests…those are kind of our norm,” says Sheriff Wright.

K-9s surveyed the heavily wooded area to join in the fight for answers.

“For someone to target an elderly individual like this angers me deeply. I’ve spoken with some family members this morning. I promise that we’re going to utilize every effort that we have here at this office and with other agencies to make sure we find the person and/or persons responsible for this,” says Sheriff Wright.

Officials said detectives have noticed some items were moved but are unsure if anything has been stolen.

“Everything in the house indicates she was a very, very active in her church and in her community,” says Sheriff Wright.

Her body has been transported to Louisville for an autopsy.

No arrests have been made in the case, and anyone with information is asked to call the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office.