Development in unsolved death arises

The family is suffering, the sister of a murder victim says.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

NILES — Authorities are being given some information about the unsolved killing of Jane Ellen Kleese, her sister says, through America’s Most Wanted Web site — AMW.com

Kleese, who lived on Cynthia Street, was found dead Jan. 23, 2002, six years ago Wednesday, in the basement of her home.

Initially city police believed the death was an accident. However, the Trumbull County Coroner’s Office ruled that the 35-year-old mother of two died of asphyxiation by assault and not from a fall down the stairs.

The cold case was posted on the Web site by America’s Most Wanted in January 2006.

Kleese’s sister, Janet Price of East Palestine, said Wednesday that a producer of the syndicated TV program has told her the site has received “some information” about her sister’s death and that it has been turned over to the “proper authorities.”

Price said the producer won’t tell her what was passed on, nor to whom it was given.

“We want to keep it alive,” Price said of her sister’s case.

Kleese had dropped her two daughters off at school in the morning, and her children found her dead in the afternoon at the bottom of the basement steps.

“People say time eases pain. It won’t ease our pain until the case is solved. The family is suffering,” Price said.

Their 74-year-old mother, Ila Jean Woodward of Niles, is ailing. “We would like to see justice for her baby,” Price said.

Those with any information about the death are asked to call Niles police, (330) 652-9944. They can also e-mail messages to janekleese@comcast.net.