Anonymous Tip Line Leads to Closure: Justice Served After 16 Years in Ohio Shooting of William "Sonny" Young

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Justice has finally been served in a cold case that spanned over 15 years. 

Charles Bogart Jr. was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Monday for the 2010 shooting death of William "Sonny" Young.

Bogart, 49, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and burglary as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. 

He initially faced much harsher charges, including aggravated murder with a firearm specification, which could have resulted in a life sentence.

The negotiated sentence reflects the challenges of prosecuting a cold case. Memories fade, witnesses become unavailable, and detectives may even retire. 

However, the newly formed Columbiana County Cold Case Task Force, established in 2021, prioritized this case and brought Bogart to justice.

Columbiana County Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino praised the Cold Case Task Force, comprised of detectives from the sheriff's office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the prosecutor's office, for their tireless work. 

Their efforts, he said, "achieved this landmark conviction on a case that was nearly 15-years old."

Abruzzino also highlighted the importance of anonymous tip lines in solving cold cases. 

He urged the public to call the anonymous tip line at 330-420-1050 with any information that might help solve unsolved crimes.

The Case of William "Sonny" Young

William Young, 69, was found shot to death in the woods behind his home in Salineville, Ohio, on August 11th, 2010. 

The discovery of his body came days after he had gone missing.

Prosecutors detailed the events leading up to Young's death. 

They revealed that Bogart used Young's vehicle, credit cards, and personal belongings after Young left for a fishing trip in late July 2010. 

Bogart even attempted to withdraw money from Young's bank account by impersonating him.

Bogart was eventually arrested on an unrelated warrant while still in possession of Young's belongings. 

Young's body was discovered later that same day.

While Young's immediate family members had passed away, his friends remained in contact with the prosecutor's office throughout the investigation. 

According to County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Ryan Weikart, this sentence "would offer closure to friends of 'Sonny' Young."

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