A 13-year-old boy has been arrested and charged in connection with the February 2 homicide of a 64-year-old woman in Fairfax, Ohio. The announcement was made by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fairfax Chief of Police Jeffrey Bronson. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody last night and faced charges this morning in Hamilton County Juvenile Court for the murder of Sheila "Denise" Tenpenny.
Attorney General Yost expressed his sympathy for the victim's family, stating, "My heart breaks for the victim’s family." He also praised the efforts of Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) agents who worked diligently to solve the case, calling it an "unspeakably tragic" incident.
Chief Bronson extended gratitude to both the BCI agents and the community for their support and cooperation. He remarked on the community's role, saying, "We are all heartbroken for the Tenpenny family."
The investigation began after Tenpenny was found deceased in her home on Germania Street in northeastern Hamilton County. Following a request from Fairfax Police Department, BCI took over the investigation. On February 6, investigators reached out to the public for assistance, noting that Tenpenny's assailant might have sustained injuries during the crime.
Yost highlighted the importance of public involvement in solving such cases: “We appreciate that the public and media kept a spotlight on this case.”
As legal proceedings continue, it is important to remember that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.