CINCINNATI (Feb. 22, 2011) –Investigators will continue their search for evidence relating to
missing persons Richard and Gladis Russell of Bellefontaine, Ohio at 8 a.m. Tuesday at
Rumpke Sanitary Landfill in Colerain Township near Cincinnati.
Despite heavy rain and strong winds, investigators from Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification &
Investigation (BCI&I) searched approximately 25 percent of a one acre area of Rumpke’s
landfill. The area was identified as the space where trash from waste containers located at a
rest area off I-75 (north of Cincinnati) was disposed. Investigators became interested in the
contents of the waste containers after learning that the missing couple’s vehicle was last seen at
that rest stop late last Wednesday.
The investigators spent approximately 5 hours on Monday searching the area for any physical
evidence related to the case.
“The Ohio BCI&I worked tirelessly. They are making every effort to secure all possible evidence,” said Larry Stone, director of corporate safety at Rumpke.
Throughout the day, 10-15 Rumpke employees assisted with the effort. “This is a heartwrenching
situation. We are determined to offer our best resources to assist with this process. Our thoughts are with the families associated with the case,” said Amanda Pratt , director of corporate communications at Rumpke.
The Russells disappeared from their home in Bellefontaine on Feb. 16. The investigation team
contacted Rumpke on Saturday and Rumpke began preparing the search area. The search
began at about 10 a.m. on Monday.
Rumpke Sanitary Landfill opened in Colerain Township in 1945. The 444 acre site is the primary
disposal facility for Greater Cincinnati’s waste. The 24-7 operation accepts waste from a 60 mile
radius. Daily the landfill receives an average of 7,000 tons of trash. The landfill is the largest
landfill in the state of Ohio and is the sixth largest landfill in the country.
Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc. has been committed to keeping neighborhoods and
businesses clean and green since 1932 by providing environmentally friendly waste disposal
solutions. Headquartered in Colerain Township, Ohio, Rumpke is one of the nation’s largest
privately owned residential and commercial waste and recycling firms, providing service to
areas of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and West Virginia. Rumpke divisions include Rumpke
Recycling, Rumpke Portable Restrooms, The William-Thomas Group, Rumpke Hydraulics,
Rumpke Haul-it-Away and Rumpke Park. Please visit www.rumpke.com for more information.
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