Insets, left to right: Ezekiel James (Wood County Jail) and Haiden Babiuch (Eggleston Meinert and Pavley Funeral Homes). Background: Home in Oregon, Ohio, where James allegedly killed Babiuch (Google Maps).
According to court records, James was indicted on charges of murder and felonious assault in connection to Babiuch’s death. The incident occurred on December 6 at James’s residence on Crestway Drive in Oregon, Ohio, a suburb near Toledo. Local ABC affiliate WTVG reported that James had only been out of jail for a few days, following a parole violation tied to previous convictions involving weapons and evidence tampering.
James had confessed to his parole officer about possessing a firearm, leading to his re-arrest. He was released again on December 2, but tragically, Babiuch was found dead just four days later.
Initially, James informed police that Babiuch had taken her own life. However, under further questioning, he attributed any relationship issues to her alleged infidelity during his incarceration. Family members of James stated that Babiuch had considered leaving the family-owned home but was persuaded to stay.
Although James was initially released as the investigation continued, he was subsequently apprehended after the medical examiner concluded that Babiuch’s death was a result of homicide.
Cops released James as they investigated but arrested him after a medical examiner determined her death was a homicide.
Babiuch worked for Amazon, her obituary said.
“She was a loving and outspoken friend with a bubbly personality. She loved watching scary movies and fishing with her family,” the obituary said.
James remains at the Wood County Jail without bond. He is awaiting arraignment on the murder charges.
