OR OR - David 'Dave' Lewis, 46, Ashland, 4 September 2008

[deerlybeloved]

Hello All!

I am new to Ashland and came across a reward for information in Dave's case in a copy of "Sneak Preview" that was delivered to my house. I had never heard of the case before and wanted to learn more about my new community, so I dove in. I've now made my way through the entire websleuths thread, as well as having read all the supplementary articles provided via this thread or those that can be found when searching on google. Admittedly, Dave's case does not seem to have gotten its due coverage. I am so sorry to Dave's loved ones for their loss and for also having to contend with rumors and a lack of justice almost 20 years later. I do however fully believe this is still solvable. Even after reading, I have many questions and hope it is okay to jump in and ask them.

1) Is there a definitive connection between Dave and Troy's cases? I have seen online where it is reported both ways (connected, not connected). Is it ballistics? Has the current detective handling the case stated that there is a concrete link? What physical evidence available proves this?

2) Who owned the second arsoned property at the time of the fire? Do they have any connection to the aforementioned resort owners? It's stated on this thread that BMcN had a group of thugs meet up there. Were the homeowners friends of BMcN?

3) Exactly how much work did Dave do for the resort owners? What legal ramifications came upon them for building dwellings instead of providing space for recreational vehicles, if any? Did the owners know or were they friendly with Sheriff Winters?

4) Are there receipts or any hard proof that indicate he was at the Howard Lake Resort the evening of his murder? Is there anything indicating what time he left the resort to head home? Would he have had to travel Keno Rd to get there or would he have taken Hyatt Prairie?

4) It was mentioned that Dave was threatened to be "burned out" or something similar, prior to his death. Who heard that? Where and when was it said? Who was it said by?

5) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the people who gathered at the burn sight the day of Dave's passing?

6) Who is Dave's ex-girlfriend and why were the police unable to clear her? No verifiable alibi for the evening? I read that their relationship had "soured greatly". What was the nature of their relationship after they broke up? Does this ex still live in the area?

7) Dave's body being found by the chimney...does this indicate that LE believes he was up and confronted/saw his attacker? Or was Dave known to sleep near the fireplace? I know not everyone sleeps in their room (my dad is an AVID couch sleeper).

Lastly...
This is just an observation, but I drove up Dead Indian Memorial Rd and as an outsider, I do not believe someone who wasn't familiar with the area was able to do all of this in the darkness of a new moon. The roads are so windy and elevated up there, with the properties decently dispersed, you would absolutely have to know exactly where you were going. This isn't an area (or a time, in 2008) where I'd expect you would have reception, or even the capability in many cases, to look up directions in the moment.

I have more questions but wish to start with these. I'm brand new to websleuths so If I asked a question that has already been answered, I apologize. After 40 pages of reading here, it's possible to lose track of some of the threads. I do just want to say that I think it's wonderful that some of you have stuck with this for so long. I see how diligent you are with your posts and making sure Dave's story is not forgotten. Dave deserves justice and for that, I am hopeful.

 

[Lilibet]

W

Hello All!

I am new to Ashland and came across a reward for information in Dave's case in a copy of "Sneak Preview" that was delivered to my house. I had never heard of the case before and wanted to learn more about my new community, so I dove in. I've now made my way through the entire websleuths thread, as well as having read all the supplementary articles provided via this thread or those that can be found when searching on google. Admittedly, Dave's case does not seem to have gotten its due coverage. I am so sorry to Dave's loved ones for their loss and for also having to contend with rumors and a lack of justice almost 20 years later. I do however fully believe this is still solvable. Even after reading, I have many questions and hope it is okay to jump in and ask them.

1) Is there a definitive connection between Dave and Troy's cases? I have seen online where it is reported both ways (connected, not connected). Is it ballistics? Has the current detective handling the case stated that there is a concrete link? What physical evidence available proves this?

2) Who owned the second arsoned property at the time of the fire? Do they have any connection to the aforementioned resort owners? It's stated on this thread that BMcN had a group of thugs meet up there. Were the homeowners friends of BMcN?

3) Exactly how much work did Dave do for the resort owners? What legal ramifications came upon them for building dwellings instead of providing space for recreational vehicles, if any? Did the owners know or were they friendly with Sheriff Winters?

4) Are there receipts or any hard proof that indicate he was at the Howard Lake Resort the evening of his murder? Is there anything indicating what time he left the resort to head home? Would he have had to travel Keno Rd to get there or would he have taken Hyatt Prairie?

4) It was mentioned that Dave was threatened to be "burned out" or something similar, prior to his death. Who heard that? Where and when was it said? Who was it said by?

5) Does anyone have a comprehensive list of the people who gathered at the burn sight the day of Dave's passing?

6) Who is Dave's ex-girlfriend and why were the police unable to clear her? No verifiable alibi for the evening? I read that their relationship had "soured greatly". What was the nature of their relationship after they broke up? Does this ex still live in the area?

7) Dave's body being found by the chimney...does this indicate that LE believes he was up and confronted/saw his attacker? Or was Dave known to sleep near the fireplace? I know not everyone sleeps in their room (my dad is an AVID couch sleeper).

Lastly...
This is just an observation, but I drove up Dead Indian Memorial Rd and as an outsider, I do not believe someone who wasn't familiar with the area was able to do all of this in the darkness of a new moon. The roads are so windy and elevated up there, with the properties decently dispersed, you would absolutely have to know exactly where you were going. This isn't an area (or a time, in 2008) where I'd expect you would have reception, or even the capability in many cases, to look up directions in the moment.

I have more questions but wish to start with these. I'm brand new to websleuths so If I asked a question that has already been answered, I apologize. After 40 pages of reading here, it's possible to lose track of some of the threads. I do just want to say that I think it's wonderful that some of you have stuck with this for so long. I see how diligent you are with your posts and making sure Dave's story is not forgotten. Dave deserves justice and for that, I am hopeful.

Welcome to Websleuths and to Ashland @deerlybeloved from a fellow Ashland resident. These are excellent questions. I wish I had answers rather than opinions.

Thank you for your diligent reading of the thread. Due to Websleuths rules, some questions cannot be answered, such as #2, 4, 5 and 6, that name people who have not been publicly labeled “persons of interest” (POI) by law enforcement (LE). That prevents Websleuths from becoming a rumor mill. Even “verified insiders” must abide by this.

I agree with you that someone unfamiliar with the property could not have murdered Dave. That narrows the possibilities quite a bit IMO.