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Who killed Jane Kleese? Twenty years later, her family continues quest for justice
A family continues to pursue answers in the murder of their sister 20 years ago. They have put up billboards, and worked to keep the memory of Jane Kleese on people's minds.
A family continues to pursue answers in the murder of their sister 20 years ago.
They have put up billboards and worked to keep the memory of Jane Kleese on people's minds.
"Imagine if it was your family member, if it was your sister, your cousin, your daughter, or your mom. You would want the people to come forward and give information needed to convict a killer," said Jane Kleese's brother, Thomas Woodward.
Jane Kleese the youngest of five children, and mother of two is still loved, and missed by friends and famiy.
Her brother tells us life without their sister has left a void every day in their lives.
"She was a wonderful person, a wonderful mother, a wonderful wife to her husband. It's just so tragic she had to be murdered in her own home and the murderer, the killer allowed the kids to come home and find her at the bottom of the steps," said Thomas Woodward.
It was 20 years ago, after school January 23rd 2002 the victim's 16 year old son and 11 year old daughter found their mom at the bottom of the stairs at their home on Cynthia Street in Niles.
There was some clothing scattered on the stairs and a pile of clothes nearby.
Niles police investigated her death as an accident, but a two months later the coroner ruled Kleese's death was a homicide due to asphyxiation.
"Our hearts ache. We feel the pain inside the whole range of emotions. We feel sorrow, we feel anger. My only hope is for the killer to be brought to justice and put behind bars," added Woodward.
Police have said there were no signs of forced entry at the home where the Kleese's lived.
"We know there are people out there with information. We always issue an appeal to them in the hopes they will come forward with that information to help to bring a killer to justice," said Woodward.
Jane Kleese's mom passed away in 2012. WFMJ News talked with her and some of Kleese's sisters in prior stories. "My mom knew one day justice will be served. Maybe not on this side of eternity but one day when that person stands at the judgement seat and he has to give an account. But right now we are seeking justice now."
If you have any information about the murder of Jane Kleese please call the Trumbull Prosecutors office at 330-675-2425 or Niles Police at
330-652-9944.