Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a pregnant woman found inside a plastic tote in Jackson Township, Ohio. Authorities have revealed that the woman, identified as 28-year-old Brittany Fuhr-Storms, was found dead on August 3, sparking a multi-agency investigation that led to the arrests of two suspects.
Discovery of the Deceased Woman
At approximately 7:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, August 3, the Jackson Township Police Department responded to reports of a deceased person along Fort Anthony Road in Jackson Township.
According to a Facebook post from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the victim was discovered by individuals walking along the roadway. Upon arrival, officers found Brittany Fuhr-Storms’ body inside a plastic tote.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the victim was pregnant at the time of her death. An autopsy later confirmed that Fuhr-Storms had been carrying an unborn child who tragically did not survive.
Following the discovery, the Jackson Township Police secured the scene and called upon the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Investigation Leads to Arrests
The MCSO Special Investigation Unit and Evidence Technicians responded to the scene to collect evidence, while the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office took custody of the victim’s remains.
The investigation led authorities to Franklin, where Fuhr-Storms had last been known to live. Detectives then worked with the Middletown Division of Police to further their investigation.
Two arrests were made following a narcotics search warrant executed at the residence of one of the suspects, James Rothenbusch.
According to the sheriff’s office, Rothenbusch was detained at his home on Logan Avenue, where narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found. Items related to the death investigation were also discovered, prompting a secondary search warrant.
During questioning, Rothenbusch allegedly admitted to drug trafficking and stated that Fuhr-Storms had died in his home under suspicious circumstances. Rothenbusch claimed that Fuhr-Storms’ body had been kept in the residence for approximately four days before being disposed of.
A second suspect, Rick Sheppard, was arrested after being located on Baltimore Street in Middletown. Sheppard also admitted that Fuhr-Storms had died in the home and that her body remained there for nearly a week before it was discarded.
According to authorities, both Rothenbusch and Sheppard were aware that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant.
Charges and Allegations
Rothenbusch has been charged with multiple offenses, including corrupting another with drugs (specific to a pregnant woman), tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs, failure to report a crime or death, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Sheppard, on the other hand, has been charged with gross abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Authorities confirmed that both suspects were aware of Fuhr-Storms’ pregnancy at the time of her death.
The Tragic Circumstances
According to law enforcement, Fuhr-Storms’ body had been left in the shower for several days before it was ultimately discovered. Fox-affiliated station WXIX reported that Sheppard initially attempted to flee before his arrest but was quickly apprehended.
During questioning, Sheppard allegedly stated that Fuhr-Storms died from an overdose and that her body had remained in the house for nearly a week before it was disposed of.
Community Grief and Support
Brittany Fuhr-Storms’ death has left her family and friends in shock. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the wife of Fuhr-Storms’ twin brother to raise funds for a memorial service.
The page’s organizer, Joria Isaacs, expressed the family’s grief, stating, “She was very loved by her family. This was very unexpected news to everyone.”
As the investigation continues, the community is left to process the tragic loss of Brittany Fuhr-Storms and her unborn child. The arrests of James Rothenbusch and Rick Sheppard bring authorities closer to justice, but the heartbreak felt by her family and loved ones remains immense.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as law enforcement continues to uncover more about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
