Body identified as man reported missing July 2; death ruled a homicide

BALLVILLE TOWNSHIP - Sandusky County Sheriff Chris Hilton confirmed with the News-Messenger Wednesday that Eric Edwards Jr., the man reported missing by Fremont police last week, has been identified as the man found dead near the Tindall Bridge last weekend.

Hilton said the case is being investigated as an active homicide with agents from the Sandusky County Sheriff's Office, Fremont Police and Clyde Police.

MORE: Body found near Tindall Bridge

"He was found around 8:11 p.m. Friday night, about 10 feet into the woods and 25 feet from the roadway (Darr Road) near Tindall Bridge," Hilton said Wednesday.

Hilton said Edwards was positively identified by fingerprints by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

The investigation continues, but Hilton said there are good leads that could lead to an arrest.

Hilton said the person responsible for Edwards' death likely knew Edwards.

Edwards, 34, of Fremont, had been missing since July 2, according to a Fremont Police post made July 4 on Facebook.

Hilton said Wednesday a caller reported finding a wallet and other personal items belonging to Edwards near Buchanan and McGormley roads, about 4½ miles from where Edwards' body was found.

Several fundraisers have been set up to pay for funeral costs for Edwards.

On Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., Rojas Cantina, 531 W. State St., will accept cash donations for food.

P.M. Studios will host a cut-a-thon fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at their 507 W. State St. location.

And Sunday, from 2 to 8 p.m., there will be a picnic in the park at Birchard Park featuring a cornhole tournament ($10 per person registration fee), a basket raffle, bake sale and food trucks featuring Big Burel's BBQ, Tim's Bar and Grill, and Delicious Food Truck. There will be a bounce house and music during the event.

cshoup@gannett.com

419-334-1035

Twitter: @CraigShoupNH