GIRARD BEATING Witnesses haven't come forward, police say

The coroner's office says the man suffered head injuries.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- City police say there are witnesses to the Nov. 6 death of a Bristolville man outside a nightspot who haven't -- or won't -- come forward.
The bloodied body of 36-year-old Kevin Elza was lying in the parking lot of Creekside Golf Dome on North State Street when police arrived about 2:30 a.m.
Elza was breathing shallowly as the result of a fight in the parking lot. He was pronounced dead at St. Elizabeth Health Center.
There have been no arrests, and police are asking for help.
Detective John Norman said a number of people have been interviewed, but he doesn't have a clear picture of what happened.
Looking for witnesses
"We're looking for more witnesses," he said Monday.
Norman said "a few" people who were at the dome that night have come forward, but "we know there are a lot more" who were there.
"Eyewitnesses are needed," the detective said, noting that investigators are only getting "bits and pieces" of what occurred.
The Mahoning County coroner's office is investigating the cause of death because Elza died in that county.
Frank DeMain Jr., a coroner's investigator, said Elza suffered multiple head injuries. A cause of deathhasn't been determined.
DeMain said it appears that Elza and a friend emerged from the dome and one of them went to the wrong car. The wrong car was similar to the one they were driving.
About the same time, a group of people came out of the dome, words were exchanged, and Elza was "sucker punched," collapsing to the pavement, DeMain said.
Anyone who witnessed the attack or has any information is asked to contact Detectives Norman or Greg Manente, (330) 545-0211.
yovich@vindy.com