Murder Suspect on the Loose

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Posted: 6:46 PM Aug 29, 2008
Last Updated: 1:32 AM Aug 30, 2008
Reporter: Kimberly Burcham
Email Address: kimberly.burcham@wymtnews.com

26 comments

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There are new developments in a cold murder case from more than 30 years ago. Police say they're finally ready to make an arrest. The problem is they can't find the suspect.

It may just look like an overgrown area on the side of the highway now, but more than 30 years ago this was a rest area and the scene of a murder.

“The family says they would like to see justice done even 33 years later,” Ohio State Highway Patrol Sergeant Linda Piechnik said.

Woodrow Perroud was found shot in the head in 1975 in his car at an Ohio rest area off US-23. Now police say suspects are in Pike County, Kentucky.

Murder suspect 59-year-old Billy Crisp's family tell police he's missing this week just before police sign his arrest warrant on what would have been Perroud's birthday Thursday police say it's not coincidental.

“That he'd been missing for a few days. shortly thereafter, the Ohio Highway Patrol notified us that they have an active warrant for him for murder in the connection with Mr. Perroud's death,” Kentucky State Police Sergeant Steve Spurlock said.

They’ve questioned about 20 people and are figuring things out piece by piece.

“It's a brother-in-law has killed a brother-in-law and right now the motive looks like it's going to be for insurance money,” Sgt. Spurlock said.

Police are considering Crisp armed and dangerous.

Police say Crisp could be anywhere and that's why they need your help to find him.

Their first priority is to arrest Crisp. Then, they say they'll continue questioning another person of interest, Perroud's wife and find the murder weapon they believe is in a Kentucky river. It’s for the Perroud family.

“For 33 years they had no idea what happened to their son and their brother and it's a hard thing for a family to live through,” Sgt. Piechnik said.

And it’s also for justice.

“The highway patrol would really like to see justice done in this case, too. And see the suspects and the murders caught,” Sgt. Piechnik said.

It’s all in an effort to end more than three decades of uncertainty. Police say he drives a charcoal gray 2004 Ford F-250 with an extended cab and a visible spare tire.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
to comment: I took a test at the police department here along with a class by a local polygraph examiner... as for helping Billy, sure I'll help him... I really don't care what you think of me, seriously doubt I'll loose any sleep over it...

Posted by: comment Location: pike on Sep 11, 2008 at 09:51 AM
jasak, if you know how to beat a polygraph why don't you help billy out and tell him out to do it, after all you are such a good friend. WHAT A JOKE YOU ARE!

Posted by: RK on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:08 PM
jasak, you took a poloygraph? Did you pass? What did you do? Were you guilty? Why didn't you refuse to take it?

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:04 PM
jasak, LOL this is a soap opera for you. Question, if Billy was on vacation, why wouldn't he tell his mother that you say he lives with? Every family I know tells their family they are going on vacation and where. How come his own family filed missing persons report on him? Are you that blind and Stupid? Tell us how you can beat a polograph, I'm sure it's interresting. The 4 days Billy skipped out before I suppose was vacation? Get a life kid. It seems you are about the only one on here trying to act like a Defense Attorney LOL. I do know he wasn't on vacation dummy, watch the news. You are just a young hot headed kid that enjoys getting some attention on here. Go play with your dog.

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 7, 2008 at 01:31 PM
RK... I am NO relative to Billy or the Crisp family so please get your facts about me correct before stating something you have no idea about. I have had a polygraph test before along with a class with an examiner, and I am here to tell you there are ways to beat the test... Actually, Crisp lives with his mother, not beside her... and unless you know where Crisp was and what he was doing (obviously you don't) then don't state that he wasn't on vacation...if you don't know, don't state!

Posted by: RK Location: on the know on Sep 6, 2008 at 12:02 PM
jasak. No doubt you are a relative to Billy and Erma Jo. I assume you are a nephew since you stated you are a neighbor. I feel people have the right to think he is guilty same as the right to feel he is innocent. It's called a Justice System. It has taken years for certain witness's to tell what they know. Each time a witness states what they know, it's compared to see if it matches what other's stated. When this all matches, you have a Suspect of Interest. Then this person is investigated to either clear them or name them as a suspect. Mr Crisp, nor either of his sisters have or will take a polygraph (Lie detector) test. I would take one to prove I am truthful. Why would anyone refuse to take it unless they fear they would fail it. There is no test, training or way to beat it. I am concerned as to why the Crisp family won't take one. Something to ponder on. Sorry to say, Mr. Crisp wasn't on vacation as you stated. He lives beside a sister and his mother and they didn't even know???

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 6, 2008 at 10:25 AM
i agree with you, young friend

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:33 PM
well, i know for a fact he did turn himself in, he's been gone on vacation and as soon as he heard he had a warrant he went to the police, I tried to tell you all this. Anyways, he will be going to Ohio...

Posted by: gerald Location: pikeville on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Billy is in the Pike County (Ky) jail.

Posted by: jasak Location: ky (Pike) on Sep 4, 2008 at 11:26 AM
RK have you confessed every sin that you have ever made to your fellow man because, if so you left me out. Nobody is stating that Billy is some sort of "king", for he is not and neither is anyone else. Hang him? Do you think that is the Christ like thing to say? Killing Crisp will not bring back Woody, I don't meant that in a rude way nor in any disrespect to the family. If Crisp did this, he will be punished when God sees it's time for him to be. Maybe like someone else posted, he may turn himself in. According to one of the local papers here, others are involved... How come nobody is blaming them?

Posted by: young friend Location: pikeville on Sep 4, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I think it is truely sad that this has happened to the family of the victim, but it is even sader to destroy a good man's name.To ruin a man's name and his life without any hardcore evidence. Sure he is not accounted for, but maybe he is trying to let the truth come out, without him having to turn on a loved one or someone he knows that actually did commit the crime.I have known Crisp for several years and know with all my heart that he isn't a cold hearted killer. The man is innocent until proven guilty.

Posted by: someone serious Location: ky on Sep 3, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Most of the people writing comments on this page have no idea of what evidence the investigators have and the other information that is on RECORD. Wake up. I heard throught the grapevine he was turning himself in today. Obviously he has a guilty mind or we would still be loose.

Posted by: Heart Broken 33 on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:43 PM
I long for the day. I will be with the Perroud family. God is a patient God but Justice WILL BE Served. WLP was a special friend.

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky (Pike) on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:37 PM
jasak, This isn't about being saved. It's about COLD BLOODED MURDER. Alot of people want to play the Christian game when they are faced with murder charges. You need to pray for him for sure because the way he is hiding, HE ran off and left God. I have been through an ordeal that my brother was murdered. I know exactly how the Perroud family feels. Do you have a brother? What if he was murdered. Jesus man or not if you did it, confess like God demands or deny it and worship Satan as you run. You can't serve 2 masters. I do beleive God will save a murderer but, I think God requires a confession to himself and to our fellow man as to such evil this has been. HE will be found GUILTY. Not meaning to be rude but I am sick of this King Billy stuff. I hope they hang him with a NEW rope.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: pike on Sep 3, 2008 at 06:37 PM
The romans i have read and yes that is what it says so needs to read the romans

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 3, 2008 at 03:26 PM
my Bible tells me if we repent from our sins and confess with our mouth God raised His son from the dead then we shall be saved... Try reading Romans....

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky on Sep 3, 2008 at 07:07 AM
My bible tells me that if we owe a debt to society we must pay it.Crisp owes the debt and he must pay, then God can save his soul if he is serious. Be a total christian or quit being your own God.

Posted by: rainbow Location: pike on Sep 2, 2008 at 08:53 PM
To ?: The Justice system is a joke they just have went 33 years with out no one to blame and they are trying to find someone and make there justice system look good and its not working...Crisp is not yet proven guilty

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 2, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Family of Perroud... I want to take this time to state that I am sorry for your loss and for any comment that I have made that has offended you. I never meant to personally offend the family. I have no personal involvement with this case, I just happen to know Mr. Crisp. I agree, people have skeletons and act different behind closed doors. Now, I still admire Crisp for helping and being there for my family during our time of need and will state that he was a good co-worker. However, he may have did the crime. I don't know, it's just hard for me to believe. Would you want to believe your friend was capable of murder? I will continue to pray for both families along with following the story. My local newspaper here in Pikeville, KY had a front page report about the crime. It also, stated that someone else was involved, so others are to blame, if go by the media. Again, I am sorry if I have offended you. May God Bless both families.

Posted by: Family of Perroud Location: Ohio on Sep 1, 2008 at 11:33 PM
jasak: Maybe he is trying to be a good person because he done so wrong so long ago. I must say that the evidence points only to him and his sister so... If he is so great WHERE IS HE??? Maybe you dont always really know who you think you do. Everyone is different behind closed doors. Maybe you should think about the Perrouds...and not so much about your self, and Crisp feelings He must not have been thinking about Woodys feelings or his family feelings. your support for crisp is not understood at all!!!

Posted by: jasak Location: Ky on Sep 1, 2008 at 08:17 PM
To: ? Ok, I too was not around with the murder took place and by no means am I stating that the murderer should not be punished. Instead, I am stating that you do not know that Mr. Crisp did the crime and it is not up to you to judge him just because of what is being reported. Who is saying that he is running from the law? And I know first hand he is a great worker and neighbor and friend... people sin everyday but that is the reason God sent His son to die, for payment of our sins. If Christ can forgive we should be able also. I have lost loved ones before but I also know that everything happens upon God's timeline and for whatever reason God made the choice for Mr. Perroud's life to be taken this way... there is a purpose for it. Try reading The Purpose Driven Life. I pray for the Perroud family but it is my duty to pray for Crisp also. Try turning the other cheek and praying, God will bless you for it and if and only if it is God's will, will the murderer be punished on Earth.

Posted by: ? Location: Ohio on Sep 1, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Ok jasak, Unfortunatly I was not around when the murder took place. We have a justice system for a reason. If you take someone elses like then you are to be punished. I to am a Christian and believe in God, however, How do you explain this so called "excellent co-worker, neightbor" is running away from the police? Why is he running if he is no guilty. Why not stay and answer questions and let them arrest him and go through the process if he is not a murderer. Obviously by your comments about "nothing will bring him back" you have never lost a loved one to soon. Why did Crisp think it was ok to take another life. He has lived free for over 33 years and the Perroud family has suffered for over 33 years. Why should one mans choice to play God have to ruin so many other lives? Bottom line is Crisp is running or hiding from the police b/c he is guilty. You will see. Justice will be served in this case.

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Sep 1, 2008 at 07:52 AM
TO ? ... I do have my facts straight as far as in knowing the character of Mr. Crisp. I am only 26 years old therefore, I do not know how Mr. Crisp was when he was 26... However, Mr. Crisp has always been nice to me and my family, going out of his way to help is during our time of need. He is an excellent co-worker who attended church. Judgment is not up to us nor is vengence... this is up to the Lord. And I must say that if our Savior who died for our sins can forgive then we should have the heart to do also. My brother was bashed through the media and when all was said and done the courts and police had to apologize for he had did nothing wrong. You have know reason to say Mr. Crisp is a murderer... Where you there, did you see it? If you have so much evidence then you should have helped solve the crime 33yrs ago. I pray for the Perroud family, it is a tragic event to loose a loved one but nothing will bring him back, not revenge, closure, etc. Only God can comfort them.

Posted by: ? Location: Ohio on Aug 31, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I just have one thing to say to jasak. I have read your posts on other webpages and I get sick to my stomach just reading them. It is obvious that you have been misled. Mr. Crisp is a murderer and he is going to jail for a long time. I feel as if the Perroud family has suffered for 33 years and now it is finally the Crisp family that is going to suffer. Unless you have lost a love one for no reason, or insurance money so they say now, you have no idea what it is like. I believe that there will be more details to follow and when it is all said and done I think you should personally apologize the the Perroud family for defending such an"Good friend, great neighbor, excellen co-worker". Trust me you will be proven wrong. I would also like to add for future reference you should probably get your facts straight and also at least know a little of what you are talking about before you go on public websites and defend a murderer.

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Aug 31, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Good friend, great neighbor, excellent co-worker... will never believe it in 100 years You can't believe everything you read and hear in the news media, I know first hand

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky on Aug 31, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Rest assured, they have the evidence and 33 years later, how many friends does he have? No person wants to think or beleive another friend could do this. Mr. Perroud thought Crisp was a friend also. God bring peace to this Mother and the Perroud family. A young mans life was taken at the age of 23 for no reason at all. The person/persons responsible need to pay for the wrong they have done and to all the lives they have affected by this terrible thing they did. I am sure the Crisp family has pain but they had their son and brother for the last 33 years.

Posted by: Friend on Aug 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I do understand how hard this is on Woody's mother and his sisters. No one knows how much this family wants justice, conviction and closure. It is to bad his father has passed on. This was one thing he so wanted before his passing. This will not heal the family . They miss him and think about him every day. Just think what he has missed since his life ended. Yet, the one's who have done the crime has enjoyed their life with family and friends. Shame on you.

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky on Aug 30, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Thank God enough people knew certain things and it all coupled together and helped to get this thug, and now the Perroud family can have some closer. It takes time for the police to put it all together. Nice job OHSP and KSP.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Put him on America's Most Wanted, top 10

Posted by: jasak Location: ky on Aug 30, 2008 at 01:13 PM
how did they link Crisp as the suspect

Posted by: RK Location: Kentucky on Aug 30, 2008 at 12:06 PM
God answers prayer.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:49 PM
well i hope they catch him .then maybe the family can rest in peace.sad

Posted by: jasak Location: kentucky on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:23 PM
interesting and hard to believe this... such a hard worker and friend

Posted by: stella Location: ohio on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:18 PM
i hope it comes to closer for the family for the mother hopefully her soul can rest now all these years not knowing. it tears your heart and soul. bless the police for never giving up

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