Authorities in Ohio say the death of a 28-year-old pregnant woman whose body was found earlier this month in a discarded storage tote has led to the arrest of two men on multiple charges.
Brittany Fuhr-Storms was discovered on August 3 in Jackson Township, Ohio, after two hikers noticed a strong odor coming from a large plastic container along the roadside. According to police, the tote—similar to one used for storing large household items—was sealed shut with wood screws. Inside, Fuhr-Storms’ body was wrapped in towels and a tarp.
An autopsy later revealed that Fuhr-Storms had been pregnant at the time of her death. Investigators described the circumstances as “suspicious” and say the case has now been taken over by Middletown Police as the lead agency.
The investigation began when the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office identified Fuhr-Storms’ last known address and connected her to a home in Middletown. Detectives obtained a narcotics search warrant for the residence of James Rotherbusch. While executing that warrant, officers say they observed items linked to the death investigation, including a suspected blood stain on carpet, a blue tarp, screws, and towels matching those found with the body. This discovery prompted a second search warrant.
Rotherbusch allegedly told investigators that Fuhr-Storms died at his home under “suspicious circumstances” and that her body remained in the shower for several days before he placed it in the tote and transported it to the location where it was found. Police say a second suspect, Rick Sheppard, also admitted that Fuhr-Storms died in the home and remained there for nearly a week. Both men reportedly acknowledged knowing she was pregnant.
Sheppard told police she died from an “alleged overdose.” However, investigators emphasized that Fuhr-Storms’ official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined by the coroner.
Rotherbusch faces a lengthy list of charges, including corrupting another with drugs—specific to a pregnant woman—tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, drug trafficking, and possession of drugs, along with misdemeanor counts of failing to report a crime or death and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheppard has been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Jeremy Roy said the men’s actions after Fuhr-Storms’ death raised significant concerns. “They don’t have any 911 calls, they don’t have anybody going for help. That’s an issue,” he said.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on August 13 as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fuhr-Storms’ death and the events that led to the grim discovery along Fort Anthony Road.
