Ohio Cold Case Moves Forward: Body Found In River Identified

YOUNGSTOWN, OH — Investigators have identified a body that was found in the Mahoning River last summer.

In July, the McDonald Police department found a woman's body in the Mahoning River. They asked for the help of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in identifying the woman.

Through forensic testing and DNA analysis the woman was identified as Bessie Ryan. Ryan, 40, was the subject of a missing persons report in March. She had last been seen in Warren, Ohio.

While investigators have now identified Ryan, they're also hoping someone can help police determine what happened to the missing woman. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued a plea Tuesday for someone to come forward.

“BCI’s forensic work names the nameless – and the identification of a missing person may be the first step in solving a case,” Yost said. “On behalf of the many families searching for hope, I’m grateful for the work that BCI does to reunite families with their missing loved ones.”

Anyone with information concerning Ryan’s disappearance should contact Lt. Ryan Ronghi with McDonald Police Department at 330-530-5472 or the Trumbull County 911 Center at 330-675-2730.