NORWALK — An Aug. 25 story, “Mayor: Ashli Ford’s false claims still endanger victims,” included a reference to the 2022 death of Joeby Reed.
The story misspelled Reed’s name and misstated the year of his death; both errors were corrected. The article also reported comments by Norwalk Mayor David Light, who said the case was “straightforward and tragic” and “resolved years ago.”
Court records show that Austin Reed, 19, the son of Joeby Reed, was indicted in July 2023 on murder, attempted murder, and felonious assault charges in connection with his father’s death. He stabbed his father in November 2022 after an argument, according to police reports and court records.
In January 2025, Austin Reed pleaded guilty to attempted murder and felonious assault in Huron County Common Pleas Court in a plea agreement with prosecutors. He was sentenced to serve 6 to 9 years in prison.
Following publication of the Aug. 25 news article, Arianna Reed, daughter of Joeby Reed, contacted StayTunedSandusky.com to object to the description of her father’s case. She said the mayor’s description of it is not accurate. She said her father’s case was never thoroughly investigated.
In a message to the newsroom, she wrote:
“I am deeply hurt and concerned by the misinformation and careless language used to describe my father’s death; particularly the statements that the case was ‘solved years ago,’ that it was ‘straightforward,’ and that my father’s name was ‘Joby.’ … The case was never fully resolved. Charges were filed against … Austin Reed making it anything but ‘straightforward.’ No thorough trial or official review ever gave our family closure. Significant digital evidence (including final messages to me from my father) was deleted shortly before his death.”
She added:
“When a public platform spreads incorrect information, especially about someone who can’t defend themselves, it matters. Out of basic respect, I’m asking you to: correct my father’s name; acknowledge that the case involved criminal charges in 2022; and consider a clarification that respects the emotional weight and factual complexity surrounding my father’s death.”
This story is published to correct and clarify the record, reflect the concerns raised by Reed’s daughter, and acknowledge that the case continues to be viewed differently by some surviving family members than how it is viewed by some public officials.
