JACKSON TOWNSHIP, OH – Authorities say a pregnant 28-year-old woman was found dead in a discarded storage tote earlier this month, and two men have since been taken into custody in connection with her death.
Police discovered the body of Brittany Fuhr-Storms on August 3 after responding to reports of a deceased person near a roadway in Jackson Township. Investigators said her unclothed remains were located inside a large storage tote, which had been wrapped in towels and a tarp. The lid of the container was affixed with screws, making retrieval of the body challenging for first responders.
Investigators confirmed through autopsy that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of death. Following the grim discovery, detectives traced Fuhr-Storms’ last known address, which led them to a residence in Middletown in search of answers.
On August 5, officers executed a drug-related search warrant at the Middletown home connected to the investigation. During the search, evidence allegedly linked to Fuhr-Storms’ death also came to light, prompting investigators to secure a second warrant for the property.
Authorities identified and arrested two suspects, James Rothenbusch and Rick Sheppard. Both men were brought in for questioning regarding the circumstances surrounding Fuhr-Storms’ death. According to police, Sheppard stated that Fuhr-Storms died of a suspected overdose and that her body remained in a shower for four days before the suspects attempted to dispose of her.
Both suspects allegedly acknowledged that they were aware Fuhr-Storms was pregnant. In addition to statements collected during interviews, investigators seized fentanyl and other drug paraphernalia from the Middletown home.
The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office has listed Fuhr-Storms’ official cause of death as undetermined. Authorities stressed that the death is being treated as suspicious, and that both Rothenbusch and Sheppard were present at the time Fuhr-Storms died. Officials noted the lack of any emergency calls for assistance at the time of her death as an additional point of concern in the investigation.
Detectives also revealed that Rothenbusch and Sheppard were previously under investigation for unrelated matters. Neither suspect has explained why no attempt was made to seek medical help for Fuhr-Storms.
Rothenbusch faces five felony charges, including corrupting another with drugs involving a pregnant woman, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, drug trafficking, and drug possession. He is also charged with two misdemeanors: failing to report a crime or death, and possessing drug paraphernalia.
Sheppard has been charged with two felonies: abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. Court records show both men are scheduled to appear at a hearing on August 13 as authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to Fuhr-Storms’ death.