2 men arrested after police find body of pregnant woman in sealed plastic tote

CINCINNATI (WXIX/Gray News) - Two men have been arrested after the body of a pregnant woman was discovered in a plastic tote, according to authorities in Ohio.

James Rothenbush was charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, drug trafficking, possession and failure to report a death, among other charges, after police and deputies responded to reports of a dead person along Fort Anthony Road Sunday evening.

Deputies discovered the body of 28-year-old Brittany Fuhr-Storms inside a storage tote, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

Following an autopsy, it was discovered that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of her death.

Deputies executed a search warrant on August 6 at Rothensbush’s Logan Avenue home and found drug paraphernalia and items that are believed to be related to Fuhr-Storms’ death, the sheriff’s office said.

Rothenbusch ultimately admitted to drug trafficking, but told investigators Fuhr-Storms died in his home under suspicious circumstances.

He also admitted to keeping her body at the home for four days before disposing of it, deputies said.

A second suspect was also identified in the investigation. Rick Shepard, of Middletown, also allegedly told investigators that Fuhr-Storms died at the residence and was kept there for nearly a week before disposal.

Shepard was arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

The sheriff’s office said both suspects admitted to knowing that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant.

The Middletown Police Department is now taking over Fuhr-Storms’ death investigation.