MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — On April 29, 1981, 18-year-old Debra L. Miller was brutally murdered in her apartment at 151 W. 3rd St. Over the past 40 years, her homicide has remained unsolved, despite multiple reopenings of the case. One individual consistently drew investigators’ attention, but insufficient evidence prevented an indictment.

In 2021, Det. Terry Butler reexamined the case after a discussion with retired MPD Lt. Dale Fortney. Alongside DNA Analyst Dawn Fryback, Butler reopened the case, starting from scratch and examining it through a new lens.

James Vanest (Photo: Mansfield Police Department)

Their findings were staggering. Advances in DNA technology and innovative techniques revealed a firm DNA profile on numerous pieces of evidence, linking the profile to James Vanest. Vanest, who lived above Miller on the night of the homicide, had been questioned during the initial investigation but was never identified as a suspect.

Detective Butler contacted Vanest at his residence in Canton, Ohio, in November 2021. During the first of two interviews, Butler felt Vanest was attempting to create an alibi for his DNA presence in the apartment, despite Butler not mentioning the topic. Vanest admitted to lying to investigators during his 1981 interview. He ended the second interview in 2024 before it began, stating he felt Butler was building a case against him and requested an attorney.

151 West 3rd St Mansfield, Ohio (Photo: Mansfield Police Department)

Weeks after their last discussion, Vanest sold his residence, purchased a pick-up truck and an enclosed trailer, and fled to West Virginia, leaving several firearms behind. He was stopped by West Virginia authorities, found with two firearms, and arrested on state charges. ATF agents later indicted him on federal gun charges.

Vanest posted bond and was later located in the Canton area. On November 18, 2024, U.S. Marshals and Canton SWAT attempted to serve the indictment at a hotel on Sunset Strip Ave NW, Canton, Ohio. Vanest pointed a gun at them and barricaded himself inside the hotel. After a short shootout, one Canton SWAT member was shot in the arm, and Vanest was fatally shot.

The DNA evidence collected, analyzed alongside Butler’s investigation findings, establishes proof beyond a reasonable doubt that James Vanest committed the murder of Debra Miller on April 29, 1981. The case is now considered closed.

“This is a sad and tragic case. Although closing it does not bring Debra back or replace the last 43 years, we hope her family can now have some closure,” said Detective Butler.