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Evidence found behind Cracker Barrel nearly 41 years ago helps solve 1985 cold case, authorities say
By Jennifer Edwards Baker, Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
MIDDLETOWN, Ohio. (WXIX/Gray News) - A 62-year-old man who authorities say was on the run since 1985 has been charged with the death of an auto parts salesman in Ohio, prosecutors announced.Randy McAllister and a now-deceased accomplice were identified as suspects in a fatal robbery.On Oct. 16, 1...
Key takeaway (WXIX/Gray News) - A 62-year-old man who authorities say was on the run since 1985 has been charged with the death of an auto parts salesman in Ohio, prosecutors announced.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The solving of this 1985 cold case has implications for Nashville 's own law enforcement community, where investigators often rely on evidence collected from multiple jurisdictions to crack cases. The fact that evidence discarded behind a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Georgia helped identify a suspect nearly 41 years later demonstrates the importance of meticulous evidence collection and analysis. This case also highlights the potential for Nashville's own crime lab to play a critical role in solving local cold cases, particularly those involving crimes that may have originated or had connections to other parts of the country. As Nashville's law enforcement agencies continue to work on solving their own cold cases, they may draw inspiration from the diligence and perseverance of the investigators who worked on this Ohio case, and consider the potential for evidence collected in unexpected places to hold the key to justice.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIDDLETOWN, Ohio. (WXIX/Gray News) - A 62-year-old man who authorities say was on the run since 1985 has been charged with the death of an auto parts salesman in Ohio, prosecutors announced.Randy McAllister and a now-deceased accomplice were identified as suspects in a fatal robbery.On Oct. 16, 1...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jennifer Edwards Baker, Akim Powell at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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