A well-liked repairman is found beaten and shot to death. ![]() Permon Gilbert ![]() He found Permon’s nude body by the road CASE DETAILS ![]() Was Permon involved with a local woman? On May 23, 1982, in the small town of Hamersville, Ohio, a 15-year-old boy made a terrible discovery. A man’s body, nude and beaten, was dumped on the side of the road. That night, the man would be identified as Permon Gilbert, an appliance repairman who lived just seven miles from the place his body was found. The most puzzling thing about Permon Gilbert’s murder was that he appeared, to those who knew him, to lead such a normal, non-controversial life. But in this small, Ohio town, it was not long before phrases like organized crime, drug trafficking, and jealous husband, began to be heard. Permon Gilbert was a beloved husband and father of four. His passion was flying his small plane, but he made his living fixing household appliances. During the week, Permon worked for a large company. But on Saturdays, he worked for himself and scheduled his own house calls. According to his wife Joanne, the Saturday of his murder, Permon was hesitant about leaving for work:
![]() Permon refused offers to move drugs Permon’s service calls that Saturday morning took him to Mt. Orab, Georgetown, and Aberdeen—all small towns within a few miles of his home. When his work was complete, Permon crossed the Simon Kenton Bridge into Maysville, Kentucky. He stopped at a market where a woman named Ann Breeze worked as a cashier. Ann recalled Permon’s visit that Saturday:
When Permon left the market, he walked into the flower shop next door. But no one can account for Permon Gilbert’s movements after that. He had told his wife, Joanne, that he would be back home around three that afternoon, but never arrived: ![]() His wallet and belt buckle were missing
Joanne Gilbert called the police. They were unable to turn any leads, until late the next afternoon, when her husband’s body was found. Permon had been shot twice in the chest. Because no cloth fibers were found in the two bullet wounds, police believe that Permon had been naked above the waist at the time he was shot. Although Permon’s clothes were never found, his van was located the next day. According to Sheriff John Van Camp of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Department, the van was located 22 miles away from the spot where his body had been discovered:
The investigation into Permon’s murder presented three possible scenarios. The first involved drugs. Permon often flew his small plane from a rough landing strip on his farm. According to Joanne Gilbert, Permon claimed he had been approached to transport drugs:
The second theory involved Permon’s brother, Vernon. Vernon was twelve years younger than Permon and they were devoted to one another. Three months before Permon was killed, Vernon Gilbert had agreed to appear before a grand jury. Vernon planned to testify in a case against organized crime. Permon waited in town while his brother testified. Joanne believed her husband may have been the target of a hired killer:
According to Sheriff Van Camp, Permon Gilbert may also have been involved in a crime of passion:
A reward of $20,000 is being offered in this case. Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season one with Robert Stack and season eight with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. SUBMIT A TIP |
John
Joni, I watched your father’s story on Unsolved Mysteries tonight and I’m praying with you that justice will be done.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
John, Mahalo!, for the prayers! God bless you, and, your family, and, pets! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Jayne, thank-you for your comment. Sincerely with prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
My Dad’s ( Permon Eugene Gilbert ) murder case will be solved soon! God believes in justice! Sincerely With Prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Unsolved Mysteries is having a special on Thursday 10/05/23, free streaming on AVOD, ( Advertising Based Video On Demand ). My dad, Permon Eugene Gilbert was murdered on 05/23/82!, the pieces to his murder is getting close to being solved! God believes in justice! Let go and let God!, in Jesus’s name, Amen! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
My dad, Permon Eugene Gilbert was murdered on 05/23/1982, it has been over 40 years! It will be solved soon! God will have the last word! Sincerely With Prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Debbie Willoughby
I am praying for you, Joni, that this is solved soon. Forty years is a long time to have to endure with no answers.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Debbie Willoughby, thank-you for praying that my dad’s case will be solved soon! God Bless you, and, your family, and, pets! God believes in justice! God will have the last word, and, it will be good! In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Yes! This past week, President Biden signed bill for Homicide Victims Families Right Act!, Praise God! In Jesus’s name! Amen! In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Unsolved Mysteries special on Thursday, 10/05/23, free streaming on AVOD, ( Advertising Based Video On Demand ). In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Tom
God bless you, Joni.
Lizette Cabral
I just saw your dad’s story on a repeat episode of Unsolved Mysteries, I’m so sorry that this happened to him !
Justice will be done, your in my prayers
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Lizette Cabral, Thank-you for your reply! God Bless You, and, your family, and, pets! God will have the last word! God believes in justice! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I heard my dad ( Permon Eugene Gilbert ), that he told his sister ( Charlotte Gilbert Earhart ), sometime the week before he was murdered, that he saw something he should not have seen, that was why he was murdered! Any comments? Sincerely With Prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Why did Michael Todd Earhart put his hand through the front windshield of a vehicle , after he found out his uncle Permon Eugene Gilbert was murdered in May 23rd, 1982? Any comments? Why was Permon Eugene Gilbert’s van found near a cemetery near Decatur, Ohio ( the cemetery where June Warren McKinney is buried in ). Any comments? What did Scott McKinney regret doing in May of 1982? Any comments? God will have the last word, and it will be good! God believes in justice! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
A lot of people call Hamersville, Ohio McKinneyville? Any comments? The McKinney’s go back and forth from Hamersville, Ohio to Florida each year. Some of The McKinney’s live in Florida. A lot of bad things happen in Brown County, Ohio, Clermont County, Ohio, Maysville, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, parts of Florida, are they all connected? Any comments? You cannot take it with you! People better ask God, and, Jesus for forgiveness before it is too late! I forgave many years ago the people who were involved in my Dad’s ( Permon Eugene Gilbert murdered on May 23rd, 1982 ) murder, and, also the ones who murdered him. My dad’s case will be solved soon!, in Jesus’s name, Amen! In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
The old Hamersville fire department was torn down a few years ago. They have a nice new firehouse in Hamersville, Ohio with big nice fire trucks, they have wedding receptions, and, social events at The Hamersville Fire Department in Hamersville, Ohio. Hamersville, Ohio is a small town, is The Hamersville Fire House, and, Fire trucks, used for other things ( like transferring drugs,,drug deals, etc! ) Any comments?…! In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Unknown Hamersvillian
This is a BOLD accusation…especially toward a government funded department. I’ve known the Schneiders for almost 40 years and I would testify in a court of law, hand on the bible that they would NEVER transport drugs, deal with organized crime. Unfortunately I believe that you are so desperate for an answer that you will believe anything that is told, truth or not. McKinneys no longer “own” Hamersville, they make no decisions there and except for a few rentals, there is nothing left of them there except for the junk yard. McKinney mart sold a few years ago.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Why did you bring up The Schneider’s? I did not have them mentioned. My mother’s name Jo Ann Schneider Gilbert ( she is in Heaven with my brother P.C., and, my dad, Permon Eugene Gilbert ). I am related to The Schneider’s, I love them all! Yes, I knew McKinney Mart closed a few years ago. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Someone is feeling guilty. On find a grave website, they said my dad ( Permon Eugene Gilbert is buried in Felicity, Ohio Cemetery, Wrong! Also, someone anonymously put on find a grave, that my mom ( Jo Ann Schneider Gilbert ), was also buried in Felicity, Ohio Cemetery, Wrong!, as well as some other issues! I pray all people make their peace with God, before it is too late! In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I know The McKinney’s sold McKinney Mart to someone else a few years ago. God believes in justice! God will have the last word, and, it will be good! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Unsolved Mysteries is having a 35th anniversary special on Thursday, 10/05/23, streaming free on AVOD ( Advertising Based Video On Demand )! The pieces to my Dad’s murder case is getting close to being solved!, Permon Eugene Gilbert murdered on 05/23/82! God believes in justice! Let go and let God!, in Jesus’s name, Amen! Jeremiah 33:6. In Christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Jayne
Wow..
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
William Lee Swope in Georgetown, Ohio knows a lot about my Dad’s murder, ( Permon Eugene Gilbert, murdered on 05/23/82 ). Any comments?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
My dad’s murder case will be solved soon!, Praise God! God will have the last word, and, it will be good! In Jesus’s name, Amen! Sincerely with prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
There was a big fire at McKinney’s Junkyard this Tuesday evening, March 9th, 2021, in Hamersville, Ohio, was it arson?, was it to get rid of evidence? Any comments? Thank-you. Sincerely with Prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
They found finger prints, and, hair samples, I want forensic files to test what the clermont police department has.I want the bureau of criminal investigations in Ohio to get involved. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Any comments, or, suggestions? I am not afraid. I think some individuals from both sides of my parents, ( Dad & Mom, and, my Brother are in heaven!), are involved, as well as so many other individuals! Any comments from anyone? Thank-you for listening. God will have the last word, and, it will be good!, in Jesus’s name, Amen! The drug trafficking must stop! I know their is more to dad’s murder, a lot more!
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I also think some individuals living near Nashville, TN, ( in Franklin, TN), are also involved in my Dad’s murder. Any comments?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Did Scott McKinney sell his McKinney Mart in Hamersville, Ohio yet?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Mysto Ree; I think some individuals were also involved in my Dad’s murder from Bethel, Ohio, as well. Any comments?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I agree. Do you also think some individuals in Georgetown, Ohio, are also involved in my dad’s murder?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I agree!
Mysto Ree
From what I understand to be the case, the individuals who perpetrated this specific act have their names sprawled all over the village of Hamersville.
Anyone else want to corroborate that?
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I forgave whoever murdered, and, the ones involved in his murder many years ago. I want my dad’s murder case to be solved this 2021, so my twin sister, and, I, and, my younger sister will have closure! God believes in justice. My father was murdered on May 23rd, 1982!, his name was Permon Eugene Gilbert. I am not afraid, my dad was a good father, and, I know he is in heaven with my mother, and, brother. Whoever all is involved in my dad’s murder, they better ask God for forgiveness, before it is too late!, if they want to go to heaven someday!, they need to pray to God for The courage to ask God for forgiveness. No one makes it to heaven, they must believe Jesus came to earth, and he came to save us all from our sins. You must make your heart right( confess to God, pray to God )with God, and he will save the ones that believe in God, Jesus, The Holy Bible, get baptized, christians, etc. Jesus will come in a blink of an eye. The three dvd movies, called, ( Left Behind ), will help to watch with actor, Kirk Cameron, and, definitely The Holy Bible, Revelations, etc.! In christian friendship, love, and, prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
In Jesus’s name, Amen! Thank-you Lord, Amen!
Ms. Gina
I know about a year before my Dad was murdered that he had Security lights put around our house. I feel like my Dads Spirit won’t rest till his case is solved. I want it to be Solved so my Sisters & I will have closure, so we will have justice, we want to know the Truth! I want something Good to come from this in my Dad,s Honor. I know that the Lord will make things right.
Gina
I know about a year before my Dad was murdered that he had Security lights put around our house. I feel like my Dads Spirit won’t rest till his case is solved. I want it to be Solved so my Sisters & I will have closure, so we will have justice, we want to know the Truth! I want something Good to come from this in my Dad,s Honor. I know that the Lord will make things right.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Mr. Bill Blaski, you bet!, I have been keeping up with investigator’s on my Dad’s case, and, with unsolved mysteries! God will have the last word, and, it will be good! God Bless You! Sincerely with prayers, Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Bill Blaski
Miss Joni, I am so sorry for your loss. Are you still in contact with cold case detectives investigating your dads case? I love fairly close to Maysville KY and every time I drive thru there I think of your dad. I was hoping the new Netflix show would’ve rebroadcast your dads case. I believe new technology could help. If I remember right detectives collected dna/blood from someone other than your father. This can be ran back thru the genealogy websites and get family dna and trace back. You will get the justice you deserve! Please know that you have allot of people in your corner and we want to help. Have you thought of setting up a go fund me or something to generate $ to hire a private investigator etc. God Bless
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Why did Mike Earhart break the windshield of a vehichle, after he heard my dad was murdered in 1982? Danny Pride knows alot about my dad’s murder case! Their is a big drug ring, and, etc., in Brown County, Ohio, Clermont County, Ohio, Maysville, Kentucky, Aberdeen, Ohio, and, etc.! What does Bill Swope of Hamersville, Ohio know about my dad’s murder case? Alot of people in Brown County, Ohio, and, Clermont County, Ohio know alot about my dad’s murder case!, it is time for them to clear their conscious, and, make it right. God believes in justice! Dennis Garrett of Franklin, Tennessee knows alot about my dad’s murder case! Charles Armstrong of Bethel, Ohio knows some stuff about my dad’s murder case.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I think Permon Eugene Gilbert was murdered by The McKinney’s in Hamersville, Ohio. The McKinney’s hired three Mexican men. Also, was the Masonic lodge involved? The McKinney’s are known for doing drug deals, and, etc., in Brown County, Ohio. Dad’s younger brother, Vernon Lee Gilbert, is involved in organized crime, and, etc. Vernon Lee Gilbert did not come to my dad’s funeral in 1982, and, Vernon Lee Gilbert is still alive here on earth.
Anonymous
Way more.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Permon Eugene Gilbert’s murder is going to be solved this year! God will have the last word, and, it will be good! In Jesus’s name, Amen!
Bill Blaski
Again I am recommending this case to be picked up by Netflix. There are 10/15 cases that must have an extra set of eyes on them. If they would rebroadcast these cases and use some new technology I think they can be solved. Cases like Dale Kerkstetter, Dale Williams, Aileen Conway, Dan Cosaldro, Don Henry and Kevin Ives, Adam Hecht, AJ Breaux, Brad Bishop, Blair Adams, Chad Langford, Chad Maurer, Permon Gilbert, Maura Murray, and so many more. I would love to see these specific cases investigated. I have google alerts setup on these cases. So that I can be alerted as soon as a update comes in. Sadly after decades nothing ….. do police not investigate cold cases anymore? Any ideas when the Netflix show will start?
Anonymous
His Masonic belt buckle has been snatched away.Has anyone considered that someone in his lodge could of killed him?
Bill Blaski
I’m learning towards crime of passion. I would bet this murderer has done this b4. Im curious if there are any updates to this crime?
nm
most likely this was mafia related. seeing as the young brother was testifying AGAINST an organized crime syndicate, they likely ‘hit’ permon to send a message. keep in mind that this seems much more plausible considering it was in the early 80’s.
Sharon
Has the investigating Office continued to run the evidence of fingerprints and DNA from hair sample (if possible) to today’s technology? This would be an excellent case for a cold case unit to review!
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
Dear God in heaven, please let forensic files technology open up my dad’s cold case murder, and get his case solved, so my twin sister, and, younger sister, and, I, may have closure. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Angie
I believe that he was beaten and killed by the husband of someone he was having an affair with. Seems like I have seen this case on another show and it was mentioned that the flower shop employee (that he asked for on the UM episode) was Investigated. Anyone else recall this?
chanita
yuck that makes me sick to my stomach! I will pray for him and his family!
Permon Gilbert Gravesite
I was wondering does anybody know where Mr Gilbert was laid to rest? I have had a look online but not been able to find anywhere. If anyone knows I’d be very appreciative!
Anonymous
Mr. Gilbert is buried in the Felicity Cemetery in Clermont County Ohio.
Patricia Golightly
What was he doing in the flower shop? Was he buying flowers for someone? Seems that if he bought flowers for someone, which I can’t believe they didn’t give that information on the Tv show “unsolved”, and the fact that he was found naked from the waist up, he was probably caught red handed having an affair with one of his customers. The husband walked in as Permanent jumped up, put his pants on, but before he could get out of the house was confronted by a boyfriend or husband, shot twice in the chest, and then dumped. It was probably within miles of his home because his affair was within the area.
Anonymous
Growing up in Brown County…I’ve heard adults talking…and from talk it’s believed that the McKinneys had something to do with it…talk was that they got their salvage/repair shop started by running cocaine in the area and that they propositioned Mr Gilbert to get him to transport in his plane…he declined?…and in the way he way he was found…probably to send a message to anyone he may have confided in…?????
Mysto
There’s way more to your theory than meets the eye.
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
I Agree!
Miss Joni Carlene Gilbert
How is Permon Eugene Gilbert’s unsolved mystery case, I know their will be an update soon!
lm knull
His younger brother was into crime although permon was not maybe his younger brothers crimes came back on him instead.
Tendy Uebel
Where is? Vernon Gilbert now? And what came from his testimony? I knew the family.