Ohio Court Indicts Third Suspect After Pregnant Woman Found Dead in Sealed Plastic Tote
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, OHIO — A third man has now been formally charged in connection with the disturbing death of 28-year-old Brittany Fuhr-Storms, a pregnant Ohio woman whose body was discovered inside a sealed plastic storage tote earlier this year. Authorities say Walter Wade, 44, was indicted Tuesday on felony charges tied to the alleged handling and concealment of her remains.
Fuhr-Storms’ body was found on August 3, wrapped in towels and a tarp inside a plastic tote. While the Montgomery County Coroner ruled the cause of death as undetermined, investigators have repeatedly described the case as a suspicious death, citing the actions of those present at the time she died .
Charges Filed Against the Third Suspect
According to court records, Walter Wade has been indicted on charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Prosecutors allege Wade played a role in events following Fuhr-Storms’ death, though he has not been charged directly with causing her death.
During a court hearing covered by the Journal-News, Fuhr-Storms’ brother urged the judge to impose a high bond, calling Wade a danger to the community. The court ultimately set Wade’s bond at $45,000, and he remains in custody at the Butler County Jail.
Wade’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 18, as the case continues to unfold across multiple courtrooms in southwest Ohio.
Earlier Arrests and Disturbing Allegations
Before Wade’s indictment, investigators arrested James Rothenbusch, 52, and Rick Sheppard, 47, both of whom were allegedly with Fuhr-Storms at the time of her death. Police say Sheppard told investigators that Fuhr-Storms died from an “alleged overdose.”
Authorities allege that instead of calling for help, the men kept her body in a shower for four days before attempting to dispose of it. Both men reportedly told police they were aware Fuhr-Storms was pregnant when she died — a detail that has drawn particular scrutiny from prosecutors.
Evidence Recovered During Narcotics Investigation
Law enforcement officials have said Rothenbusch and Sheppard were already on their radar due to a separate narcotics investigation. A search warrant executed at their Middletown apartment reportedly uncovered evidence tied to both drug activity and the death investigation.
Items allegedly recovered included bloodstains on carpet, screws, a blue tarp, and towels that investigators believe matched those used to wrap Fuhr-Storms’ body. Officers also reported finding fentanyl and drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Jeremy Roy addressed the troubling lack of emergency response in the case, noting that no one contacted authorities when Fuhr-Storms died.
“The fact of the matter is, these gentlemen have some guys in custody that were there at the time she died,” Roy said. “They don’t have any 911 calls, they don’t have anybody going for help. That’s an issue.”
Upcoming Trials and Court Dates
The legal path ahead remains lengthy. James Rothenbusch faces multiple felony charges, including corrupting a pregnant woman with drugs, gross abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, drug trafficking, and drug possession, along with several misdemeanor counts. His trial is currently scheduled for January 12, 2026.
Rick Sheppard has been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, with his trial set for February 2, 2026.
Prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges as forensic reviews and witness interviews continue.
A Case That Continues to Raise Questions
As the investigation moves forward, authorities have emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Brittany Fuhr-Storms’ death remain deeply concerning. The absence of emergency calls, the delay in reporting her death, and the alleged efforts to conceal her body have all fueled public outrage and demands for accountability.
Family members say they are focused on justice for both Fuhr-Storms and her unborn child, while investigators continue piecing together the full timeline of events that led to her death.
As Ohio courts prepare for multiple trials tied to this case, it stands as a grim reminder of how unanswered questions and delayed action can turn a tragedy into a prolonged legal battle.
As this case progresses through Ohio’s court system, stay with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for continued updates on court proceedings, major indictments, and developing investigations across the Midwest.