Toxicology tests pending in deaths of 2 teens

Authorities mum as probe goes on

Blaine Romes, 14, and Blake Romes, 17, of Ottawa, Ohio, were the subject of an amber alert May 9, 2013, when they and a third person Michael Aaron Fey, 17, were reported missing. One of the boys and their car were found in Columbus, Ohio, later in the day.

OTTAWA, Ohio — Autopsy results for two Putnam County teenage brothers who died last week await toxicology tests, which could take two months to complete, the coroner said.

Dr. Anna Horstman, Putnam County coroner, said the Lucas County Coroner’s Office completed autopsies on Blaine and Blake Romes, ages 14 and 17, respectively, whose bodies were found after another teen pointed authorities to their locations.

But the coroner, like other officials involved in the case, remained tight-lipped Monday regarding details.

“We don’t want to do anything to jeopardize the investigation,” Dr. Horstman said.

She said toxicology testing could take six to eight weeks.

Authorities on Thursday issued an Amber Alert after the boys’ mother returned home to find her sons, as well as Michael Fay, 17, and a vehicle missing. The vehicle later was located in Columbus, and Michael was taken into custody.

Investigators found the two bodies — one under the family’s trailer and the other in a ditch east of Ottawa — based on Michael’s statements.

Thus far, he has been charged with stealing the vehicle, but officials have said additional charges could come as the investigation continues.

“We will move forward as we review it as efficiently as possible,” said Todd Schroeder, assistant county prosecutor. “I’m not going to put a timeline on it. I would indicate that we are giving this case appropriate focus, especially in light of the attention it is receiving. We are reviewing what there is to review.”

Mr. Schroeder said investigators are interviewing witnesses and evidence is being tested and processed.

Jill Del Greco, Ohio Attorney General’s office spokesman, said three state crime-scene agents went to the sites where the bodies were found, and two additional agents examined the car in Columbus at the request of Ottawa police. Evidence collected is being submitted to the Bowling Green lab for testing. Ms. Del Greco would not say what kind of testing is to be performed.

Putnam County Sheriff Michael Chandler and Ottawa police Lt. Josh Strick could not be reached for comment Monday.

Services for Blake and Blaine will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa. Visitation for the brothers was held from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday and will be held again from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Fourth Street Gymnasium in Ottawa.

The Love Funeral Home in Ottawa is handling arrangements.

Contact Vanessa McCray at:

vmccray@theblade.com

or 419-724-6065.