1990 cold case homicide to reopen

Police say accused rapist was involved in death of stepdaughter

In light of new DNA evidence that has surfaced, the Elyria Police Department is reopening the 1990 case alleging accused rapist Samuel W. Legg III, 49, was involved in the homicide of his then 14-year-old stepdaughter, Angela Hicks. Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino said investigators from multiple jurisdictions held a meeting on Legg, which led to the re- opening of the cold case. “We were brought into the meeting with those investigating Legg for other crimes he has been connected to,” Costantino said.

“Based on the evidence that was presented, we feel we can reopen the case.” The case originally started July 22, 1990, when Hick’s mother reported her missing, Costantino said. “A call was then made to the department Aug. 30 of that year, that skeletal remains were found in a field in the 1200 block of West River Road; in the area where the West River Branch library is now,” he said. “The coroner was able to look at dental records to confirm it was Hicks’ body.” Costantino said there was not enough evidence to charge Legg with a crime at the time. “Advancements in technology have opened doors,” the captain said. “It’s a situation where a collective group of investigators feel very confident in connecting Legg to different criminal cases over the years, including the reopening of this nearly 30-year-old case.” Costantino said following a DNA test, Legg was brought back to the area from Chandler, Ariz., where he currently resides, for a 1997 rape case in Medina County. This incident involved Legg’s alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl that he was not charged with due to detectives’ concerns of the victim’s credibility, according to an Associated Press article by Mark Gillispie. Legg was arraigned Feb. 14 on two counts of rape stemming from the Sept. 7, 1997 incident. He is being held at Medina County Jail on a $1 million bond. Medina County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joyce V. Kimbler has ordered the Criminal Court Psycho-Diagnostic Clinic to examine Legg to determine his competency to stand trial for that case, according to the court’s records. “Detectives are currently working very hard to help bring closure to this heinous murder,” Costantino said. Lorain County Prosecutor Dennis Will said his office also is cooperating with other agencies to help solve the Hicks case.

Legg III