Small Town Big Murder: The Darius Ford Case

Death Lies & Alibis

Welcome to "Death, Lies, and Alibis," the podcast that delves deep into the dark and eerie world of local cold cases. I'm your host, Christy, and today we are in Zanesville, Ohio, a small town with a hidden darkness and a collection of unanswered questions.

In this episode, we explore the unsolved murder of Darius Markham Ford Sr., affectionately known as DM. Born on January 10, 1958, in Bel Air, Ohio, DM was a beloved figure in the community, known for his dedication to martial arts and local sports. He was a self-employed Kung Fu instructor and a Taido teacher, sharing his knowledge across multiple communities and serving as an offensive coordinator for the Muskingum Valley Cobras, a semi-pro football team.

On July 11, 2001, DM was brutally murdered near a public hunting area in Muskingum County. Despite being paralyzed from the waist down by multiple gunshots, DM managed to crawl 40 yards to his car before succumbing to his injuries. The investigation found blood, fingerprints, and unknown male DNA at the scene, but the primary suspect, Stacey Coffey, remained a complex figure in the case.

We hear from DM's son, Darius Ford Jr., who shares his father's legacy and the impact of the unsolved case on their family and the community. Despite the lack of direct physical evidence and conflicting testimonies, the quest for justice continues.

Join us as we dive into the legal battles, the emotional testimonies, and the enduring hope for answers. Share this episode and help us shine a light on this cold case. Together, we can make a difference.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where we explore the civil court proceedings and the pursuit of justice for DM. Be safe, stay alert, and never stop seeking justice.

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