The Erie County District Attorney’s Office commends members of Pennsylvania State Police, Troop E, for receiving the Commissioner’s Area Command Significant Achievement Award for solving a nearly 45-year-old cold case homicide involving Lonene Ray Rogers of Hayfield Township, Crawford County.

On January 7, 1981, PSP Meadville investigated Rogers’ disappearance after her husband, Clinton Rogers, reported she was missing following a domestic argument. Investigators found suspicious circumstances, including Lonene’s purse, hearing aids, glasses, and keys left behind, while her children remained home during a snowstorm. Clinton Rogers did not initially report her missing.

Over the decades, Troopers pursued numerous leads, conducted multiple searches, and reported sightings throughout Erie and Crawford Counties, all without success. Lonene Rogers never contacted family or accessed financial accounts, and family members believed she would never voluntarily abandon her children. The case was eventually reclassified from a missing person investigation to a homicide.

On November 5, 2025, Trooper Mark Olowin and Trooper Kevin Geibel interviewed Clinton Rogers in Indiana County with assistance from a certified interpreter. During follow-up interviews conducted by Trooper Geibel and Corporal Philip Shaffer, Rogers confessed to strangling Lonene Rogers and disposing of her body in a dumpster in Saegertown, Pennsylvania.

The investigation remains active as additional corroborative evidence is developed. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office recognizes the dedication, professionalism, and persistence of the Troop E Major Case Team and Meadville Criminal Investigation Unit for bringing long-awaited answers and justice to the victim’s family.

The resolution of this nearly 45-year-old homicide represents a significant investigative achievement marked by persistence, professionalism, and teamwork. The collective efforts of the Troop E Major Case Team and the Meadville Criminal Investigation Unit restored dignity to the victim, provided long overdue answers to her family, and reaffirmed the Pennsylvania State Police's commitment to justice, regardless of time elapsed.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office would like to commend the Pennsylvania State Police members who contributed to the resolution of this case.

Lieutenant Mary L. Gausman (Team Leader)
Sergeant Brandon J. Huffman (Assistant Team Leader)
Corporal Philip C. Shaffer (Meadville Crime Unit)
Trooper Robert C. Baldwin (Meadville Crime Unit)
Trooper Adam D. Gadsby (Meadville Crime Unit)
Trooper Kevin J. Geibel (Meadville Crime Unit)
Trooper Mark D. Olowin (Troop E CIA)
Trooper Corry Tomko (Meadville Crime Unit)
Trooper Jeffrey A. Walters (Ret.) (BCI Organized Crime)

Information provided by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E.