What happened to Kurt Sova?
- By Website Editor
- •
- 18 Dec, 2019
Introducing our feature case for CrowdSolve 2020
We're excited to announce that in partnership with Newburgh Heights, Ohio police department, CrowdSolve 2020 participants will investigate the mysterious death of 17-year-old Kurt Sova. In the next few weeks we will bring you interviews with Newburgh Heights PD Chief John Majoy, Kurt's brother Kevin Sova, and the expert investigators joining us at CrowdSolve in Chicago February 21-23.
KURT SOVA CASE OVERVIEW
Kurt Sova lived with his parents in Newburgh Heights, Ohio just outside of Cleveland. Kurt was the youngest of four and by all accounts a well-behaved and responsible high school student. On Friday, October 23, 1981, Kurt met up with a friend to attend a Halloween party nearby. He never returned home.
On Saturday morning, Kurt’s mother Dorothy called his friends while his father Ken searched the neighborhood. Turning up empty, his parents called police to report him missing on Sunday morning. Dorothy contacted Debbie Sams, whom she had been told hosted the Halloween party Kurt attended on Friday night. However, Debbie responded that she had not seen Kurt and had not thrown a Halloween party that night. However, a pizza delivery man claimed that he had made a delivery to the party at the time in question. When confronted with the delivery man’s claims, Debbie Sams admitted that she had hosted the party and that Kurt was in attendance and had been drinking Everclear, which was out of character for Kurt.
Kurt’s friend claimed to have taken him outside for some fresh air and ducked back inside to grab Kurt’s jacket. When he returned, Kurt had vanished. Debbie’s inconsistent accounts caused Kurt’s parents to suspect foul play.
Three days after he was reported missing, three boys discovered Kurt’s body in a ravine on Harvard Street 500 yards from the duplex where the party was held. Police found no evidence of assault except a few minor scrapes and bruises. He was barefoot; his left shoe was found nearby but his right shoe was never located.
The cause of Kurt’s death has never been determined. Officials eventually ruled out foul play, concluding that his death was accidental or due to natural causes. Kurt’s family does not accept this conclusion. While the coroner placed time of death at 24-36 hours, Kurt had been missing for five days. Furthermore, Ken reported that he had searched the ravine on Monday and Kurt’s body was not present at that time.
Kurt's parents and two brothers are now deceased, survived only by his brother Kevin. In November of 2019, Newburgh Heights Police Department announced they were partnering with Tiffin University to take another look into Kurt's case.
Kurt’s case was highlighted in the November 23, 1988 episode of Unsolved Mysteries and featured in a four-part webseries by Exit 9.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
