Middletown, Ohio – Authorities in Ohio have indicted a third suspect months after a 28-year-old pregnant woman, Brittany Fuhr-Storms, was found dead inside a sealed plastic storage tote under what investigators described as suspicious circumstances.
New Indictment in Ongoing Death Investigation
On Tuesday, a grand jury indicted Walter Wade, 44, charging him with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in connection with Fuhr-Storms’ death. Wade was arrested months after her body was discovered and is now the third individual facing criminal charges tied to the case.
Fuhr-Storms’ body was found on August 3, naked, and wrapped in towels and a tarp, inside a sealed plastic tote. The Butler County Coroner’s Office ruled her cause of death as undetermined, though law enforcement classified the case as a suspicious death early in the investigation.
Details Surrounding the Discovery
Investigators said Fuhr-Storms was found after police executed a search related to a separate narcotics investigation involving two men who were already on law enforcement’s radar.
Those men, James Rothenbusch, 52, and Rick Sheppard, 47, were arrested shortly after the discovery. According to police statements, both men admitted they knew Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of her death.
Authorities allege that Sheppard told investigators Fuhr-Storms died from an alleged overdose, after which her body was kept in the shower for four days before attempts were made to dispose of it.
Evidence Recovered From Apartment
According to a search warrant, officers searching the Middletown apartment shared by Sheppard and Rothenbusch allegedly found:
- Blood stains on the carpet
- A blue tarp
- Towels matching those used to wrap the body
- Screws believed to be linked to the tote
- Fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia
Investigators said the items recovered were consistent with how Fuhr-Storms’ body was found, strengthening suspicions of evidence concealment.
Law Enforcement Raises Red Flags
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Jeremy Roy emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a press conference following the initial arrests.
“The fact of the matter is, these gentlemen have some guys in custody that were there at the time she died. That’s a problem,” Roy said. “They don’t have any 911 calls, they don’t have anybody going for help. That’s an issue.”
Authorities have repeatedly stated that the lack of emergency calls or attempts to seek medical help played a significant role in escalating the investigation.
Court Hearing and Bond Decision
During a court hearing on Thursday, covered by the Journal-News, Fuhr-Storms’ brother addressed the judge directly, urging that Wade be considered a danger to the community and that his bond be set high.
The judge ultimately set Wade’s bond at $45,000. He remains in custody at the Butler County Jail, with his next court date scheduled for December 18.
Status of Other Defendants
The two previously arrested suspects are facing multiple charges and upcoming trials:
James Rothenbusch has been charged with:
- Corrupting a pregnant woman with drugs
- Tampering with evidence
- Gross abuse of a corpse
- Drug trafficking
- Drug possession
- Misdemeanor counts of failure to report a crime or death and possession of drug paraphernalia
His trial is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Rick Sheppard has been charged with:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Tampering with evidence
His trial is set for February 2, 2026.
Case Continues to Develop
While the official cause of Fuhr-Storms’ death remains undetermined, investigators have made it clear that the circumstances surrounding her death, the handling of her body, and the presence of drugs have raised serious concerns. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues.
The case has drawn attention across the region due to the disturbing nature of the allegations and the fact that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of her death.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
