A 13-year-old has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 64-year-old Fairfax woman, a crime that has sent ripples through the community. In a joint statement released by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fairfax Chief of Police Jeffrey Bronson, the male juvenile was reportedly taken into custody late last night, with charges filed this morning in Hamilton County Juvenile Court.
Found deceased in her home at 3919 Germania St. in northeastern Hamilton County on Feb. 2, Sheila "Denise" Tenpenny's case has quickly garnered attention, thanks to the combined efforts of local law enforcement and the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). With the community reeling over the tragic event, the tireless working of investigators has borne fruit. "My heart breaks for the victim’s family,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “I’m so grateful for the BCI agents who worked around the clock to swiftly piece together this horrific crime and identify a suspect."
Ohio's BCI joined forces with the Fairfax Police Department shortly after discovering the crime. Chief Bronson appreciated the quick and thorough response, stating, “The Fairfax Police Department is extremely grateful for the quick and thorough response of the Ohio Attorney General’s BCI agents, who spent tireless hours working to solve this case.” By Feb. 6, investigators appealing to the community for any relevant details hinted that Tenpenny's killer likely sustained injuries during the crime.
Community involvement played a pivotal role in the investigation, helping law enforcement to shed light on the details of that fateful Feb. 2. “We appreciate that the public and the media kept a spotlight on this case,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost added. The local support and forthcoming cooperation have been a cornerstone in piecing together this puzzle. As usual, it should be noted that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Further inquiries can be directed to media contact Steve Irwin at 614-728-5417.
