Authorities Confirm Remains Found In Ohio Granary Are Of Missing Ypsilanti Man
TOLEDO (WWJ/AP) - Authorities in Ohio have confirmed that skeletal remains found in an empty grain storage barn are of a Michigan man who had been missing since June.
The sheriff's office in rural Putnam County on Friday said that the remains found earlier this week are of 52-year-old Brian Martin of Ypsilanti. A medical examiner said Martin died of multiple blunt force injuries to the head.
Investigators believe Martin was bludgeoned to death by Robert Strauss and his wife Desirae, both of Toledo. The couple was charged in July after police found evidence at their home indicating Martin was attacked there. Incidentally, the couple was located in Indiana after police received a complaint they were dealing drugs out of a vehicle that turned out to be Martin's.
Attorneys for Desirae and Robert Strauss say they've reached tentative plea agreements with prosecutors in the pending cases, although details were not released.
Investigators say Martin's remains were found after months of searching when "new and recent information" was provided to the prosecutor's office. An attorney for Robert Strauss said his client did not provide the information, while an attorney for Desirae Strauss declined to answer the question.
A message on the Help Find Brian Martin Facebook page from Martin's wife, Linda, thanked supporters for all their help over the past months.
"We would like to thank each and every one of you for walking this journey with us, for your love and support, thoughts and prayers," the message read. "God listened and now we will have the closure that we needed."
The last time Martin was seen, he was coaching a softball game near Toledo on June 22. Martin was expected to be in Louisville, Kentucky that same night, but he never showed.
One of Martin's daughters told police he had been romantically involved with Desirae Strauss for several years. According to a police report, Desirae Strauss' mother told officers that she saw Martin at the Strauss' home on June 22.
According to reports, Martin apparently believed he was the father of Desirae Strauss' recently born twins. Martin was allegedly pressing Desirae Strauss to take a paternity test — which she refused. Reports say Robert Strauss found out about his wife's relationship with Martin shortly before his disappearance.
The Strausses are facing charges of aggravated murder, murder, tampering with evidence and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Desirae Strauss is due in court on Feb. 25, while her husband is set for trial on March 30.
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