Background: Brittany Fuhr-Storms (GoFundMe). Inset: Walter Wade (Butler County Sheriff”s Office).
Authorities have apprehended a third individual in the case of a pregnant Ohio woman whose body was discovered in a plastic container months ago.
Walter Wade, 44, was formally charged on Tuesday with offenses including abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence related to the tragic death of 28-year-old Brittany Fuhr-Storms. Her body was found on August 3, unclothed and “wrapped in towels and a tarp” inside a sealed plastic storage bin. Although the coroner has not determined the exact cause of her death, two men, James Rothenbusch, 52, and Rick Sheppard, 47, were previously arrested under suspicion related to the case.
According to investigators, Sheppard allegedly claimed that Fuhr-Storms died from what he described as an “alleged overdose” and that her body was left in a shower for four days prior to an attempted disposal. Both Sheppard and Rothenbusch reportedly admitted they were aware of her pregnancy at the time of her death.
Law enforcement had already been monitoring Sheppard and Rothenbusch before the discovery of Fuhr-Storms’ body. During a press briefing on August 5, officials from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the two men were under scrutiny for suspected narcotics activities. A subsequent search related to the drug investigation reportedly uncovered evidence relevant to Fuhr-Storms’ death.
Local CBS affiliate WHIO obtained a search warrant that revealed what officers found during a search of Sheppard and Rothenbusch’s Middletown apartment: bloodstains on the carpet, screws, a blue tarp, and towels consistent with those Fuhr-Storms was allegedly wrapped in. Additionally, authorities reportedly discovered fentanyl and other drug-related items.
The death of Fuhr-Storms is being treated as suspicious by police. Jeremy Roy, Chief of Staff for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, remarked on the troubling nature of the situation, stating, “These gentlemen were present at the time of her death, which raises significant concerns. There were no emergency calls made, and no attempts to seek help, which is problematic.”
During a court hearing on Thursday that was covered by Journal-News, a local news outlet, Fuhr-Storms’ brother asked the judge to set a high bond for Wade, calling him a danger to the community. Wade’s bond was set at $45,000. He is currently in custody at Butler County Jail. His next court date was scheduled for Dec. 18.
Rothenbusch was charged with corrupting a pregnant woman with drugs, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, drug trafficking, and drug possession, plus misdemeanor charges of failure to report a crime or death and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is scheduled to go on trial on Jan. 12, 2026.
Sheppard was charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. His trial is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026.
