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GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio – The Garfield Heights Police Department has identified a primary person of interest in the 1964 murder of Beverly Jarosz. On the 61st anniversary of the crime, investigators revealed that the suspect was a peer and friend of the victim who lived in Garfield Heights at the time. Police are seeking new public tips regarding this individual to resolve the long-standing cold case.
The Garfield Heights Police Department has released a new update on the unsolved murder of Beverly Jarosz, marking the 61st anniversary of the teenager’s death and renewing a plea for information from the public.
The department’s December 28, 2025 media release outlines how investigators have zeroed in on one primary person of interest and are asking anyone with information to come forward, even if it seems minor or was previously shared.
Police Narrow Focus to One Primary Suspect
In the media release, Garfield Heights police say that while “numerous suspects continue to be investigated,” most of their attention in recent years has centered on one man.
According to detectives, this man:
- Was a well‑documented friend of Beverly Jarosz
- Was about the same age as Beverly
- Lived within the Garfield Heights city limits at the time of the murder
- Was investigated immediately after the killing but was not charged due to lack of evidence
Police say this male will not be publicly identified at this time but describe him as a person of “significant interest” in the Beverly Jarosz murder investigation.
Investigators note that others close to Beverly told detectives the man had spent considerable time with her leading up to the murder, and they believe she would have voluntarily let him into her home on the day she was killed.
Alleged Behavior, Weapons Linked to Hobbies
Detectives say information gathered over the years indicates the individual frequently carried both a knife and rope, items connected to his hobbies. Both of those items were used in Beverly’s killing, according to the release.
Police emphasize that this background—combined with other investigative findings—helped lead them to focus more heavily on this person in recent years.
Inconsistencies, Refusal to Cooperate
The Garfield Heights Police Department also points to what they describe as troubling discrepancies in the man’s account of his whereabouts on the day of the murder.
Investigators say they have:
- Found inconsistencies in his statements and his alibi
- Determined that both the man and the person he claimed to be with that afternoon have declined additional interviews
- Experienced refusals from them for further cooperation with detectives
Despite the passage of more than six decades, police stress they have “never let this case rest.”
Renewed Investigative Efforts and Outside Help
According to the release, the department has devoted substantial recent resources to the Beverly Jarosz murder investigation, including:
- Countless additional interviews with the man’s acquaintances
- Submitting evidence to laboratories for further testing
- Conducting surveillance and undercover work
- Seeking assistance from other law enforcement agencies, organizations, and professionals
Garfield Heights police say this combined effort has strengthened their belief that the man is a key figure in the ongoing case. They also express gratitude for the support they have received from outside experts.
Police: “Now Is the Time” To Share Information
As each anniversary passes, detectives say it becomes more difficult to bring justice and peace to Beverly’s family. However, they remain hopeful that someone who knew something then—or has learned something since—will now be willing to speak up.
“If our profile above sparks a memory or thought that you believe would be helpful to this case,” the release states, residents are urged to contact Detective Mark Menary with the Garfield Heights Police Department.
The department lists the following contact numbers:
- Office: 216‑475‑5686
- Cell: 216‑894‑7631
Tips can also be emailed to mmenary@garfieldhts.org.
Police emphasize that any additional information about the described suspect, no matter how small, could be crucial in finally resolving the Beverly Jarosz murder investigation and bringing long-awaited closure to her loved ones
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