Hillhouse’s Body Found, Zelch Wanted As Person Of Interest

Nearly 18 months after he was reported missing, the body of Edward Hillhouse was recovered Wednesday on the property of a residence on Highway J in Bourbon.

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday that Deacon Zelch, 40, has been identified as a person of interest in Hillhouse’s death. Hillhouse was first reported missing in April 2016.

Local authorities are now searching for Zelch, who is known to frequent the Bourbon and Sullivan area.

Zelch should be considered armed and dangerous and not to be approached.

According to the sheriff’s office, Bourbon Police requested the assistance of the Franklin County Narcotics Task Force. As the investigation unfolded, authorities determined it was a homicide that had occurred in Crawford County.

A multi-jurisdictional investigation that involved the three agencies unfolded and led to the discovery of Hillhouse’s body.