A plea for help from police nearly six months after the disappearance of Joey LaBute, Jr. who was found dead in the Scioto River.

The coroner determined LaBute was dead before he hit the water, but there was no trauma.

Who put him there, and why are two questions that have haunted detectives.

Don't let fear keep you silent. The message from Columbus Police Homicide.

'If you're afraid we'll work with you and try to determine at least your role or if you played any role in his death we just really need to know," said CPD Homicide Supervisor Sgt. Dave Sicilian.



The LaBute case is a death investigation.

It's getting the same treatment as a homicide.

The trail hasn't gone cold.

"Definitely it's not a cold case it's still an active investigation we have several interviews we want to accomplish," said Sgt. Sicilian.



But Sgt. Sicilian said the path is not an easy one.

"Yes it's very frustrating for us not only do we have a high volume of cases we're investigating this particular case is extremely challenging," said Sgt. Sicilian.



LaBute went missing March 5th after a night out at Union Cafe in the Short North.

Grainy photos from surveillance video show LaBute leaving the bar's restroom.

"Perhaps Joey died and the people or persons around him panicked and didn't know what to do," said Sgt. Sicilian.



Joey's body was pulled from the Scioto River nearly four weeks later.

One big challenge for police is not knowing exactly how he died. Time and location are also key factors in the puzzle.



"So who was with Joey when he went into the water becomes really a primary issue for us so there is a person or persons who exist that were with him when he died," said Sgt. Sicilian.



More answers may come through lab results.

"We're waiting for some other evidence forensic evidence (from his clothing) yes," said Sgt. Sicilian.



Call CPD Detective Wooten if you know anything about the case at 614-645-4730.

The other option is Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS. You don't have to leave your name.



