Joseph Farkas

Joseph Bela Farkas was a father, grandfather, and a man with a passion for mechanics and community. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 13, 1937, the 68-year-old male had lived in various Ohio towns, including Coal Grove and Conneaut, before settling in Columbus. He was the retired owner of Reliance Refrigeration and channeled his skills into his hobbies. Joseph was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 9 and the Scioto Model 'A' Club, showcasing his love for both aviation and classic cars. He was also a dedicated member of the Hungarian Reformed Church. His family knew him as a loving father to his son, David Farkas, and daughter, Judith Zelaya, and a doting grandfather to James and Joseph Farkas, and Kyle and Lara "Sissy" Zelaya.

The circumstances of his final hours are grim and point to a violent abduction. On the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2006, Joseph Farkas was found dead on West Park Avenue in Columbus. His body was discovered lying on the pavement next to his black Chevrolet pick-up truck. The location was in front of a wrecking and salvage business at 375 W. Park Ave. Investigators with the Columbus Police Department believe the crime did not begin there. Evidence suggests that sometime between the previous night and that morning, Mr. Farkas was forcibly removed from his apartment on Dakota Avenue.

Police theorize that his assailants compelled him to drive his own truck to the industrial area on West Park Avenue. It was there, investigators believe, that an altercation occurred, and Mr. Farkas was brutally murdered. The cause of death was determined to be a severe head injury resulting from a tremendous blow to the head. His death was officially ruled a homicide, leaving his family and community in shock and mourning.

The investigation into Joseph Farkas's murder was launched immediately by the Columbus Police Department. Detectives worked the scene on West Park Avenue, collecting evidence and trying to piece together a timeline of events leading from his Dakota Avenue apartment to the spot where his body was found. They believe the killing took place sometime between 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3, and 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2006. Despite their efforts, no suspects were publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in the years following the crime.

In the wake of his death, Joseph's loved ones gathered to remember him. A memorial service was held at the Hungarian Reformed Church on Woodrow Avenue on Saturday, March 11, 2006. He was survived by his two children, four grandchildren, a brother, Jerry Farkas, and two sisters, Janet Frost and Joanne Burns. His case has since become one of Ohio's many unsolved homicides, a painful lingering question for a family deprived of justice.

As of today, the murder of Joseph Farkas remains an open and active cold case. The Columbus Police Department and the Ohio Attorney General's Office continue to seek information from the public that could lead to a breakthrough. Investigators urge anyone who may have seen something unusual at his Dakota Avenue apartment or on West Park Avenue that night, or who may have heard anything about the crime in the years since, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online.