A former Ohio State music professor is being charged with premeditated aggravated murder in connection with the stabbing of his wife. James Hill, a 76-year-old man from Upper Arlington, claimed a sextortion scam was the driving factor, telling police he “could only think of one way out.”
How Sextortion Escalated to Murder
According to court documents, Hill told police that he met a woman on an online dating platform. Shortly after, he exchanged nude photos with her. On November 9, Hill claims he received a threatening message from the woman. She claimed she would release his explicit photos if he didn’t pay her $15,000 in Apple Pay cards.
It was at this point, Hill told police, that he felt he had only one option to put an end to the scheme. In addition to killing his wife, he had planned to take the lives of himself and their dog. He began giving his wife a massage before stabbing her in the chest.
Hill then attempted to stab — and struck — their dog before it ran away. Afterward, he deleted pictures and documents from his computer and made a brief call to the police. He went on to unlock his front door before stabbing himself in the chest.
Hill was taken to the hospital to be treated for his self-inflicted injuries. He now faces a potential life sentence if he is convicted. No further information is currently available in regard to the identity of the perpetrator or if any investigation is underway.
What Are Ohio’s Laws on Sextortion?
In early 2024, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 531, also known as “Braden’s Law,” which criminalized sexual extortion, or sextortion. The offense applies to anyone who threatens to release, exhibit, or distribute private images of another in pursuit of financial gain.
“The importance of Braden’s Law cannot be overstated,” said attorney Jeromy Simonovic. “It helps protect our community from this heinous crime by holding accountable anyone who threatens to release, display, or distribute private images of another for financial gain.”
The bill generally makes sextortion a third-degree felony. If the victim is a minor, elderly, or disabled, the penalty is increased to a first-degree felony. It pulls its definition of “elderly” from Ohio Revised Code section 2913.01, which states an elderly person is someone 65 or older. This means Hill would have been protected under the law.
The surge in sextortion and the tragedies that have followed serve as a reminder of just how impactful this crime can be. Sextortionists rely on psychological manipulation, and this is evident in the ways that some targeted individuals respond.
“This demonstrates a powerful reminder that those targeted by online blackmail are often frightened, isolated, and desperate for any solution,” Simonovic added. “This is why DFC approaches these situations delicately, relaying information to clients as would a doctor — not the patient — offering steady, compassionate guidance and direct support to help clients make informed decisions.”
Sextortion Victims Need Guidance and Solutions
While there is no causal connection to suggest that sextortion will turn victims into violent criminals, this case highlights the fact that these schemes intentionally cloud your better judgment.
“While the accused may be using the alleged scheme as pretext for his unfathomable actions, this tragedy also illustrates the growing scourge of sextortion,” Simonovic said. “It can inflict an overwhelming psychological burden, even on individuals who otherwise seem stable or have no history of violent tendencies.”
Sextortion may make it seem like your world is falling apart, but all hope is not lost — and you do have a path to recovery. The perpetrator wants you to act irrationally. Their whole ploy relies on you making a hasty decision out of fear, shame, and isolation.
That last one is important because, as we can see in this case, sextortion is not something you should try to handle alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible if you take the right approach. Here’s how our experts suggest you proceed:
- Remain Calm. Like we said, the sextortionist is relying on you to respond in a state of panic. Take a deep breath and try to assess the situation rationally.
- Do Not Pay. You may think the price is worth your privacy, but paying the perpetrator ultimately does nothing to protect your photos. In fact, it often leads victims to become bigger targets.
- Gather Evidence. Document the platform, accounts, messages, timestamps, and any other relevant data. This will be useful for reporting the crime and taking legal action.
- Report the Crime. You should notify the online platform where the sextortion took place, as well as law enforcement. Begin with your local police and notify your national agency, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Talk to Someone. It’s critical that victims of sextortion take time to address the mental toll the crime takes. Speaking with friends, family, or professionals can help alleviate some of the stress and spread awareness around this growing crime.
- Consider Cybersecurity Professionals. These experts can provide resources and technical knowledge you would not have access to alone. They can help you track down the identity and location of the perpetrator, enabling you to bring them to justice.
If you ever fall victim to a sextortion scheme, remember that it is not your fault. You are not alone, and this happens to more people than you may think. In fact, reports of sextortion targeting minors increased by 20% in 2023, followed by a 25% increase in 2024. And these figures reflect only the cases that were reported.
“Our mission is to ensure that young people who face these threats receive compassionate guidance, protection, and a trusted advocate during an incredibly frightening time,” Simonovic added. “Each year, DFC dedicates numerous resources and assistance towards these efforts.”
This commitment to protecting minor victims includes our pro bono sextortion service. With a parent or guardian present, you can receive professional assistance that includes an expert consultation, resource navigation guidance, and digital footprint protection at no cost.
“Just like Braden was a minor, and recognizing that cybercriminals often prey on those who are least able to protect themselves, DFC remains deeply committed to its pro bono initiative dedicated to supporting minors,” Simonovic said.
There is never one way out, and you can find your path with the help of the team at Digital Forensics Corp. You can reach us 24/7 for a free consultation with one of our specialists.
