Police need help in solving 2 cases

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Toledo police detectives are hoping someone will assist the police department in providing information to help solve two 2009 cold case murders.

Bassam Kanouh was shot and killed by an unknown assailant inside the Lewis Carryout on Nov. 19, 2009.

"It's hard for me not to think about it," said Bashar Kanouh, the victim's brother. "Not a single day goes by I don't think about him. We were really close."

Mr. Kanouh took a job at the Lewis Carryout after getting laid off from another job. The job was a way to support his wife and three children.

"He was more than a clerk in that store," Bashar said. "He looked over those that needed help. Please return the favor by telling us what took place in the store that night. I'd very much appreciate it."

Erica Oliver, a 40-year-old mother of two, was driving her car through Toledo's central city after midnight Dec. 2. She had just left her house on Norwood Avenue when she was shot and killed by an unknown gunman.

Both victims are from different walks of life, but each were taken from their families by a bullet. She was driving away when Ms. Oliver was fatally shot. She crashed her vehicle as a result.

"They're especially heinous," said Capt. Ray Carroll said. "These were true victims. They were innocent. One was going to visit a friend and one was working in a store, and for someone to come in and take their lives is especially troublesome."

Detectives have sifted through several leads in each case. Capt. Carroll said his investigative unit stafff just doesn't have a lot to work with in solving the two homicides.

The Kanouh family is offering a $5,000 reward in addition to the Crimestopper reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible in the carryout homicide.

If you have any information in both of these cold cases, you are asked to contact Crimestopper at 419-255-1111. You can remain anonymous.