BORDERLAND

Murder suspect makes appearance in court

7/22/2014

Authorities still do not know where Brian Martin’s body is, but a woman who is accused in his death appeared in court Monday.

Desirae Strauss, 36, of 2140 Consaul St. is charged with murder. She was ordered to remain in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $1 million bond. Police allege that she and her husband, Robert Strauss, bludgeoned Mr. Martin, 52, inside the couple’s home on June 22. Mr. Strauss is being held in the Madison County jail, near Anderson, Ind., in lieu of $80,000 bond for false informing. His extradition to Ohio is pending. He also is charged with murder in Toledo Municipal Court.

Mr. Martin’s family reported him missing in late June. On Sunday, volunteers fanned out across the region looking for his body, which police said is likely in a barn or shed-type of structure. Originally officials said the body was probably somewhere between Toledo and Anderson, Ind., where the Strausses were arrested on July 8, but police now say they have eliminated Indiana as a possibility.