MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan, in collaboration with Sheriff Matt Bayles, announced significant developments in a long-standing cold case that has haunted Marion County since 2017. The case involved the tragic death of John Stricklin, found shot on a neighbor’s property on Pleasant Hill Road.
John Stricklin’s untimely death on April 27, 2017, left the community with many unanswered questions. Initial investigations led to the charging of Barbara Stricklin, his estranged wife, with his murder. However, the case faced dismissal in fall 2017 when shell casings found at the scene were analyzed by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and experts determined originate from two different firearms.
The subsequent suicide of Barbara Stricklin in March 2018 brought another twist to the complex case, which remained open. In January 2021, Prosecutor Grogan asked Sheriff Bayles to revisit the investigation. Captain Ken Rittenour and Detective Christy Utley took up the case, uncovering discrepancies in testimonies through meticulous analysis and leveraging modern investigative techniques.
A pivotal turn came when a witness cooperated with investigators, revealing the involvement of Jeremiah Martin, Barbara Stricklin’s nephew, and Mary Martin, Barbara’s sister, in post-murder activities. Their actions included cleaning the crime scene and aiding Barbara Stricklin in concealing the murder.
Prosecutor Grogan then charged Mary and Jeremiah with Tampering with Evidence and Obstructing Justice. Mary Martin pleaded guilty to Attempted Tampering, receiving an 18-month sentence, while Jeremiah Martin pleaded guilty to Tampering, sentenced to 36 months in prison. Their cooperation with authorities further illuminated the sequence of events that followed John Stricklin’s murder, confirming Barbara Stricklin’s role in the crime and the subsequent efforts to tamper with and hide evidence.
“Sheriff Bayles and I pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed,” Prosecutor Grogan said. “The resolution of this case is another example of the commitment and technological expertise of our law enforcement partners and the advancements in investigative techniques that enable us to solve even the most challenging cases.”
Grogan and Bayles extended their deepest condolences to the family of John Stricklin and commended the persistence and dedication of all involved in bringing closure to this case.