The Tragic Murder of Melinda Pleskovic, a Beloved Teacher

A real crime story

You can’t find who is the culprit

In October 2017, the murder of 49-year-old Melinda Pleskovic shocked the community of Strongsville, in Ohio. She was a beloved middle school teacher who had taught at the same school for 27 years.

When Melinda's husband, Bruce, came home on October 23rd, he found her bleeding from multiple stab wounds in their home. Melinda had been shot and stabbed to death. The initial impression was that it was a robbery gone wrong. However, the discovery of blood in her son-in-law's car changed the direction of the investigation.

Melinda and Bruce had reported attempted break-ins, thefts, and suspicious activity at their home in the months leading up to Melinda's murder. The week before the murder, they reported an attempted burglary.

Melinda had texted Bruce to meet her at the Brew Kettle at around 4:30 PM, and that was the last communication Bruce had with his wife before finding her dead in their kitchen. Bruce and Jeffrey Scullin Jr., Melinda and Bruce's son-in-law, discovered her body when they returned home after dinner at Applebee's. Melinda and Bruce's daughter and Scullin's fiancée, with whom he shared a daughter, was due to marry Scullin in a couple of days.

After Melinda's funeral, Scullin was arrested and charged with her murder. He had been living with Melinda and Bruce in their home at the time of the murder. A large tactical knife was found in Scullin's pickup truck, and forensic examination revealed Melinda's blood on the blade and Scullin's DNA on the handle.

Blood was also found on the passenger side door handle of the car. According to investigators, Scullin had a history of disagreements with Melinda and had attacked her at the home and then dined with her husband as she lay dead in the home.

A grand jury indicted Scullin on an aggravated murder charge as well as charges of felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and making false alarms. Scullin made a full confession to the murder, but his defense lawyer attempted to get it thrown out of evidence, claiming it was coerced.

The judge denied the request. In October 2018, Scullin appeared in court and pleaded no contest to the murder. He avoided a jury trial by admitting that the facts in the indictment were the truth. The prosecution revealed that Melinda had been shot three times and stabbed 36 or 37 times by Scullin. Scullin's 15-month-old daughter was in the house at the time of the murder.

Scullin's defense team attempted to claim that he pleaded guilty to avoid the family hearing gruesome evidence, stating that

"He saw the pain that the family was suffering… and despite how he might be portrayed, he's not a cold-blooded killer." Prosecutors, on the other hand, argued that Scullin had a history of disagreeing with Melinda and planned the murder. He had given a detailed description of somebody who allegedly tried to break into the Pleskovics' home, but it was later revealed that it was a fake report.

The tragic murder of Melinda Pleskovic left her family, friends, and community in shock. Her death highlights the importance of vigilance and taking precautions to ensure personal safety. It also underscores the need for law enforcement to investigate thoroughly and pursue justice for victims of violent crimes.

While Scullin's admission of guilt brings some closure to Melinda's family and friends, it cannot undo the pain and suffering caused by the heinous act. The memory of Melinda Pleskovic will live on as a dedicated educator and loving wife and mother whose life was tragically cut short.

--Justice Served