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Search for missing owner of restaurant continues
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Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
The search continues for missing restaurant owner James “Jim” Donofrio, 64, of Boardman.
“We’re still looking for him,” said Nancy Donofrio, Jim’s sister-in-law.
The family still is offering a reward for any information about Donofrio’s disappearance.
Youngstown police Capt. Mark Milstead said the department also continues its investigation.
“We’re trying to gather more information for a victimology and build a profile to determine some type of motive,” Milstead said.
Donofrio has been missing since Sept. 25, when he was expected to close the Avalon Gardens on Belmont Avenue but, according to employees, never arrived. Donofrio and his wife purchased the restaurant in January.
Last week, police said a railroad employee reported seeing a man resembling Donofrio about 3 a.m. Sept. 26 near the tracks under the Market Street bridge.
Donofrio’s SUV with wallet, briefcase and cell- phone was found under that bridge about 7:30 a.m. Sept. 26. Police dogs, a fire-department boat, divers and volunteers assisted Youngstown officers and Donofrio’s family in the search last week.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol helicopter performed an aerial search for Donofrio on Sunday.
Anyone with information about Donofrio’s disappearance is asked to call 330-746-CLUE.