A Horrible Story from my area
Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2003 6:05 pm
John Jamelske, 67, of 7070 Highbridge Road (Rt 92) in DeWitt was arrested Wednesday after Manlius police discovered a 16 year old girl he had allegedly abducted. The girl later told police she had been held captive and sexually abused for six months by Jamelske while being kept at his home.
Since his arrest, three other women have come forward saying they too were held prisoner in an underground dungeon at the home and forced to have sex with him.
Friday, Onondaga County sheriff investigators learned one alleged victim disappeared eight years ago, and was locked up for 13 months. Investigators say Jamelske is the man who tortured her.
They have yet to interview the other woman, but say she would be the fourth victim in this case that they know of.
What lies beneath the yellow crime tape, beneath the lawn of Jamelske's home in DeWitt, has haunted his alleged victims. Underground and and out of sight of neighbors is a bunker where investigators say female victims were locked up and sexually abused.
Sheriff Kevin Walsh announced the third victim to notify investigators, a former Syracuse resident, was also held captive inside the bunker.
"She, in a 13 month time, was only allowed out once because she couldn't breathe," Sheriff Kevin Walsh says.
Investigators are now alerting police across the country and into Canada, almost certain Jamelske is linked to other unsolved missing person cases. And at his home, investigators are looking for evidence that may be buried underground, and at the circumstances surrounding his mothers death about a decade ago.
The woman used to live next door to Jamelske. At the time of her death it appeared suspicious, and the case has been reopened.
Down the road in Manlius, they've also searched a house Jamelske also owns, along with several acres of land.
Jamelske's attorney says, "Making this a big media event can give the impression of a 'Silence of the Lambs' type case...When this is done, you will come to find out it is not that type of case."
Investigators say the case is gaining national attention. News magazines and talk show's have been in contact with local authorities. And investigators say there are more victims out there who may live all across the country.
MORE:
Anyone with information about this case, or anyone who feels they were a victim, is asked to call investigators at 435-3092.
Since his arrest, three other women have come forward saying they too were held prisoner in an underground dungeon at the home and forced to have sex with him.
Friday, Onondaga County sheriff investigators learned one alleged victim disappeared eight years ago, and was locked up for 13 months. Investigators say Jamelske is the man who tortured her.
They have yet to interview the other woman, but say she would be the fourth victim in this case that they know of.
What lies beneath the yellow crime tape, beneath the lawn of Jamelske's home in DeWitt, has haunted his alleged victims. Underground and and out of sight of neighbors is a bunker where investigators say female victims were locked up and sexually abused.
Sheriff Kevin Walsh announced the third victim to notify investigators, a former Syracuse resident, was also held captive inside the bunker.
"She, in a 13 month time, was only allowed out once because she couldn't breathe," Sheriff Kevin Walsh says.
Investigators are now alerting police across the country and into Canada, almost certain Jamelske is linked to other unsolved missing person cases. And at his home, investigators are looking for evidence that may be buried underground, and at the circumstances surrounding his mothers death about a decade ago.
The woman used to live next door to Jamelske. At the time of her death it appeared suspicious, and the case has been reopened.
Down the road in Manlius, they've also searched a house Jamelske also owns, along with several acres of land.
Jamelske's attorney says, "Making this a big media event can give the impression of a 'Silence of the Lambs' type case...When this is done, you will come to find out it is not that type of case."
Investigators say the case is gaining national attention. News magazines and talk show's have been in contact with local authorities. And investigators say there are more victims out there who may live all across the country.
MORE:
Anyone with information about this case, or anyone who feels they were a victim, is asked to call investigators at 435-3092.