When a Newton Falls man was found murdered last spring no one could imagine it would become a high profile case spanning international boundaries.
When a Newton Falls man was found murdered last spring no one could imagine it would become a high profile case spanning international boundaries.
But six months to the day since 44 year old Karl Hoerig -- a decorated war hero -- was found shot to death in his own home -- the prime suspect, his wife Claudia Hoerig, is still at large.
The 43 year old Brazilian native -- who has been a US citizen since 1999 -- has not been seen in the U.S. since her husband's death. Authorities believe that after allegedly shooting him 3 times in the head and back, she fled to her home country. Trumbull County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins has issued a warrant for her arrest there, but says at this point, Brazilian authorities refuse to honor it. And as far as he knows, Claudia Hoerig is living free and clear in South America.
Watkins says he has gotten nothing in writing from Brazilian authorities and doubts that Trumbull County will pursue an offer to try the case THERE. In the meantime, he is gathering support from federal, state and local leaders to push for Hoerig's extradition back to the USA.