MEDINA COUNTY, Ohio — The Brunswick Hills Police Department continues to investigate the death of 18-year-old Christion Olson, who was murdered on July 13, 2024.

It was on that day that police said Christion was last seen spending time at a home with friends on Topaz Lane in Brunswick Hills. However, after leaving the residence in the early morning hours, police said Christion’s friends found him walking down the street and he appeared to be injured. Christion later died with the autopsy report indicating he had sustained serious internal injuries.

Brunswick Hills Police Chief Tim Sopkovich said a crime of this nature is out of the norm for what is typically seen in the community of 12,000 people. He stated the department is committed to solving the case.

“With this case, we’re taking it very serious,” said Sopkovich. “We want to make sure that those people that that did this to Christion are held accountable.”

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in Christion’s death. Authorities are currently processing evidence related to encrypted cell phone communications, cellular tower data and DNA, hoping it will bring them closer to solving the case.

Sopkovich said there is not a definitive timetable of when they anticipate that evidence will be fully processed, owing that in part to encrypted phone communications.

“In law enforcement, our hands are kind of tied right now,” said Sopkovich. “The bad guys, what apps they use on their phone, what things are encrypted so they can communicate with each other, and unfortunately law enforcement, we’re still a little bit behind on where we can’t break into these codes and it takes some time to gather that evidence and information off of these digital devices.”

Christion’s parents, Christopher Olson Sr. and Rochelle Olson, remember their son as a hard-working young man who enjoyed showing pigs with 4-H, music and playing video games.

“Hey was a joy, very joyful kid, very empathetic,” said Rochelle. “He definitely was that friend that you called on when you needed something, someone to listen to.”

Christion’s parents said they have felt very alone in the months that have passed since his murder. While they expressed gratitude for the $5,000 reward and the support from organizations like Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County, they also voiced their disappointment at the lack of attention the case has received in the months following Christion’s death.

“Through everything since he passed, we felt alone in trying to make awareness and just get justice for our son,” said Rochelle Olson.

In response to the growing public concern, Sopkovich explained that the delay in releasing more information was due to the need to protect the safety of potential witnesses and maintain the integrity of the investigation.

“Our number one priority is to make sure that the victims or witnesses are still safe in this situation,” he said. “There are evil people out there that did this to Christion, and we want to make sure we protect them.”

Sopkovich added that they would not want to release any information that could jeopardize the investigation.

“I think social media is a good tool, but it again it’s not the tool for law enforcement to uh describe in detail on what our investigation is all about,” Sopkovich said.

In the meantime, Christion’s parents said that they would not give up in their quest for justice.

“We’re not going anywhere,” said Christopher. “This needs to be solved. Someone knows something. The more that we can be seen, be heard, the more pressure it puts on people to do their jobs and have a moral compass.”

“There’s a murderer in our community whether the authorities would like to admit that or not, there’s someone who killed our son that is just walking the streets,” added Rochelle.

The Brunswick Hills Police Department continues to urge anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Brunswick Hills Police at 330-225-2081 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at 216-252-7463.