Arrests Made After Pregnant Woman’s Body Found in Plastic Tote
Jackson Township, Ohio – Authorities have arrested two men in connection with the horrific discovery of a pregnant woman’s body found sealed inside a plastic storage bin on the side of a road. The victim, identified as Brittany Fuhr-Storms, 28, was found in Jackson Township, Ohio, after police received reports of a foul odor coming from a large plastic tote along Fort Anthony Road.
Responding officers were met with a stench “so bad” they were hesitant to open the container, according to reports from a local news station. An autopsy later confirmed that Fuhr-Storms had been pregnant, and tragically, the unborn child did not survive.
The investigation quickly led law enforcement to Fuhr-Storms’ last known address in Middletown, where they served a search warrant at a home on Logan Avenue. It was there that police arrested James R. Rothenbusch, 52, and Ricky J. Sheppard, 47. Rothenbusch reportedly admitted to police that he was involved in drug trafficking and that Fuhr-Storms had died at his home under “suspicious circumstances.” He also confessed to keeping her body in the residence for approximately four days before it was disposed of.
Sheppard, who attempted to flee before being apprehended, also spoke to police. He claimed Fuhr-Storms died from an alleged drug overdose and that her body had been in the house for about a week before it was removed. Both men reportedly admitted to being aware that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of her death.
Criminal Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Rothenbusch is facing a number of serious charges, including corrupting another with drugs, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse. He also faces additional charges of drug trafficking and possession of drugs. Sheppard has been charged with gross abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation, has praised the cooperation of various law enforcement agencies in the area. The cause and manner of Fuhr-Storms’ death have not yet been officially determined by the coroner’s office.
The news of the young woman’s death and the shocking circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body have left local residents in a state of disbelief. The community is grappling with the tragedy of a mother-to-be whose life ended under such tragic and brutal circumstances. The case underscores the devastating impact of drug-related crime and violence on individuals and communities.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Fuhr-Storms’ sister-in-law to help cover funeral expenses.
Timeline of Events and Police Efforts
- August 3, 2025: Police are called to Fort Anthony Road in Jackson Township after reports of a suspicious odor coming from a plastic tote.
- August 4-6, 2025: An autopsy confirms the body is that of Brittany Fuhr-Storms and that she was pregnant.
- August 6, 2025: A narcotics search warrant is executed at Rothenbusch’s home in Middletown, leading to the arrests of Rothenbusch and Sheppard.
- Ongoing: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation to determine the exact cause of death and gather additional evidence.
The case remains a top priority for investigators as they work to bring justice for Brittany Fuhr-Storms and her unborn child.