A tragic case out of Ohio has led to the arrest of two men after the body of a pregnant woman, Brittany Fuhr-Storms, 28, was discovered in a sealed storage tote on August 3.
Fuhr-Storms’ death is now being investigated as a homicide under suspicious circumstances, with authorities uncovering disturbing details about how her body was treated after her death.
Fuhr-Storms’ body was found by police after receiving reports of a dead body discovered in Jackson Township, Ohio. Deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the woman’s naked body was found stuffed inside a storage tote, which had been wrapped in towels and a tarp.
The lid of the tote was screwed shut, and it was initially mistaken for a cooler. After officers pried open the tote, they found the deceased woman, later identified as Fuhr-Storms, who was confirmed to be pregnant at the time of her death.
Arrests and Alleged Accounts of the Death
Following the discovery of Fuhr-Storms’ body, police traced her last known address, which led them to a home in Middletown, Ohio. There, authorities executed a narcotics search warrant, resulting in the arrest of two men: James Rothenbusch and Rick Sheppard.
During questioning, Sheppard reportedly told police that Fuhr-Storms had died of an “alleged overdose.” He claimed that after her death, her body was kept in the shower for four days before they attempted to dispose of her.
Both Rothenbusch and Sheppard allegedly knew that Fuhr-Storms was pregnant at the time of her death. The authorities have stated that their initial search of Rothenbusch’s home uncovered items related to the death investigation, leading to further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Fuhr-Storms’ passing.
Cause of Death and Investigation Details
The cause of Fuhr-Storms’ death has been listed as undetermined by the coroner, but the circumstances surrounding her death, including her pregnancy and the handling of her body, have raised numerous questions.
Investigators have categorized her death as “suspicious” and pointed to the lack of any emergency calls or efforts to seek help as troubling. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Jeremy Roy emphasized that the men involved had not made any 911 calls and appeared to have tried to cover up the crime.
Both Rothenbusch and Sheppard were charged with serious crimes related to Fuhr-Storms’ death. Rothenbusch faces five felonies, including corrupting another with drugs specifically related to a pregnant woman, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, drug trafficking, and drug possession.
He is also charged with failure to report a crime or death and possession of drug paraphernalia. Sheppard was charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on August 13, 2025, to face the charges. The investigation into Fuhr-Storms’ death continues, with police working to uncover more details about the events leading to her tragic passing.
Community Impact and Ongoing Search for Answers
The community has been left in shock by the nature of the crime and the details surrounding Fuhr-Storms’ death. The involvement of drugs, the cover-up attempts, and the handling of the body all point to a deeply disturbing case.
Local officials are committed to ensuring that justice is served for Fuhr-Storms and her unborn child, as authorities continue to piece together the final moments of her life.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the case highlights the continuing impact of drug-related violence and the need for thorough investigations in such tragic situations. The search for answers remains a priority for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, as they work to hold those responsible accountable for this senseless loss.
