A 13-year-old has been arrested and charged with the murder of a 64-year-old Fairfax woman, a crime that has reverberated throughout the neighborhood.
According to a joint statement released by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Fairfax Chief of Police Jeffrey Bronson, the male juvenile was taken into custody late last night and charged this morning in Hamilton County Juvenile Court.
Sheila “Denise” Tenpenny was discovered dead in her home at 3919 Germania St. in northeastern Hamilton County on February 2, and her case has quickly gained attention thanks to the combined efforts of local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
With the community reeling from the tragic event, the tireless efforts of investigators have paid off. “My heart breaks for the victim’s family,” said Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. “I’m so grateful for the BCI agents who worked around the clock to swiftly piece together this horrific crime and identify a suspect.”
Shortly after the crime was discovered, Ohio’s BCI joined forces with the Fairfax Police Department. Chief Bronson expressed gratitude for the quick and thorough response, saying, “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 February 6, investigators had appealed to the community for any relevant information, implying that Tenpenny’s killer was likely injured during the crime.
Community involvement was critical in the investigation, assisting law enforcement in shedding light on the events of that fateful February 2. “We appreciate that the public and the media kept an eye on this case,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.
Local support and forthcoming cooperation have been critical in piecing together this puzzle. As always, it should be noted that the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Further questions should be directed to media contact Steve Irwin at 614-728-5417.
