Family hopes for answers to questions about death

The family is hoping witnesses will come forward.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Tracy Elza laid her 36-year-old husband, Kevin, to rest nearly three months ago, but she is still waiting for answers to questions about what led to his death and who is responsible.
The body of Kevin Elza of Bristolville was found lying on the ground covered with blood in the parking lot of the Golf Dome on state Route 422 on Nov. 6. Elza was pronounced dead at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Police believe he was beaten to death in the parking lot, but no arrests have been made. The police department is waiting on a ruling from the coroner's office before releasing any additional information about Elza's death.
Since her husband's death, Tracy, 34, has been hounded by thoughts of what might have happened to him in the parking lot that night and who may have been responsible for his death. She has theories and a list of those she feels may have participated but no concrete answers.
"The story I have been told does not make any sense because there are so many unanswered questions," she said. "There doesn't seem to be any reason for this to have happened."
What's particularly bad
With the cloud of mystery surrounding her husband's death and no determination from the coroner, Tracy said she, her 4-year-old son, her husband's parents and his two brothers have found it hard to find closure.
Tracy has not changed anything in the home and packed her husband's clothes away only after her son asked her if he was coming back for them. The couple worked at the same company, so even going to work is a constant reminder of her husband and the questions surrounding his death.
"At times you are numb. It's just like it's all a bad dream, and all you can do is go through the motions and wait," she said.
Elza said dealing with the situation internally is hard, but she also has an inquisitive young child who wants to know what happened to his father. She said she is honest with him about the situation and tries to explain in terms a child can understand what little information is available.
Elza weeps when she talks about the man she describes as an avid hunter who enjoyed woodworking, spending time with nieces and nephews and being a dad. She said Kevin was one of the most unselfish people she had ever met and did not deserve what happened to him Nov. 6.
What's needed
Elza said she still has faith that the case will be solved and those responsible for Kevin Elza's death will be brought to justice. For that to happen, however, she said witnesses have to come forward to talk to police.
"This is frustrating for me because at a popular place like the Golf Dome that is closing at 2 a.m., somebody knows what happened," she said. "Somebody had to have seen this, but how do you make people come forward?"
Police have said witnesses at the scene have been reluctant to give information.
Elza said she hopes members of the community, especially those who may have valuable information, can understand her frustration. Now, she just waits for the answers.
jgoodwin@vindy.com