Akron authorities turn to religious leaders to help solve killings

AKRON, Ohio (AP) Frustrated city officials are turning to local religious leaders for help solving several murders.

Mayor Don Plusquellic has sent about 70 letters asking clergy to urge church members not to cover for the killers.

Thirteen of Akron's 32 homicides over the past two years remain unsolved. Police said residents near where the slayings occurred either don't trust police or fear becoming victims themselves if they talk.

''Ministers have a great way of talking to a larger group of people,'' Plusquellic said. ''If you're living in this community ... it just seems like you'd want to get those folks off the street before they do something again.''

Akron police Lt. David Whiddon said the ministers can help by alerting worshippers, who can tell others in the community.

''Someone in the church may know somebody who knows something,'' Whiddon said. ''Through their relationship, they may be able to get information from that person that we can't.''