LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio — A possible overdose was reported on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at around 4:08 am, at 116 ½ South 7th Street. Officers with the Ironton Police Department immediately responded to the scene. When they arrived, they found no answer at the door, but upon peering through a window, they discovered two people lying on the kitchen floor. The officers knocked on the window and someone inside instructed them to come in as the front door was open.
Upon entering, the officers found 58-year-old Joseph Lewis sitting next to a severely injured female. They detained Lewis and requested medical assistance for the woman. After an assessment, it was determined that the woman, identified as 59-year-old Jeri Crabtree, had passed away. Detectives were then called in to investigate the matter. Subsequently, Joseph Lewis was charged with murder and taken into custody at Lawrence County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any relevant information is requested to contact the Detective’s Division at 740-532-5606. The Ironton Police Department expressed gratitude to the Ironton Fire Department, Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, Lawrence County Coroner’s Office, and Lawrence County EMS for their invaluable assistance in the investigation.