BORDERLAND

East Toledo couple’s bond set at $2.75M each

8/7/2014

An East Toledo couple charged with the June 22 slaying of an Ypsilanti, Mich., man were chained together and returned to the Lucas County jail after their arraignment Wednesday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Judge Gene Zmuda set bond at $2.75 million each for Desirae Strauss and Robert Strauss, both 36 and of 2140 Consaul St. Both pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder, murder, tampering with evidence, and grand theft of a motor vehicle in connection with death of Brian Martin, 53.

Police allege the couple bludgeoned Mr. Martin to death inside their first-floor apartment. His body has not been found.

Judge Zmuda appointed Pete Rost to represent Mr. Strauss and Kurt Bruderly to represent Ms. Strauss. He scheduled a pretrial hearing for Aug. 25.