A heart-wrenching story of domestic violence turned fatal took place in Ohio this past weekend. James F. Toothman, a 55-year-old man who is legally blind, has been taken into custody on suspicion of taking the life of his 65-year-old girlfriend, Jeni Russell.
On November 5th, emergency responders rushed to the couple’s apartment in Cheviot, Ohio after receiving a distress call about an unconscious woman.
As reported by Law and Crime on Monday, November 6, 2023, Russell was discovered lying face down on their living room sofa and was immediately taken to the hospital, where she was tragically declared deceased.
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According to police reports, Toothman made startling admissions at the scene, accepting responsibility for the incident.
A nurse overheard Toothman confessing that he had sat on Russell’s head, which led to her untimely death.
Medical examiners noted that Russell appeared to have suffered a broken neck.
Investigations revealed that Toothman intentionally caused Russell’s death by applying force when he sat on her head, resulting in her neck being broken.
This is not the first time this couple’s relationship has seen domestic violence.
Police records indicate that Toothman had previously been arrested for domestic assault involving Russell in 2018, 2019, and 2021.
However, all those charges were ultimately dropped due to Russell’s reluctance to cooperate.
Previous police reports paint a grim picture of the abuse Russell endured. In 2018, Toothman allegedly suffocated her by holding a mattress over her to obstruct her breathing.
Earlier this year, officers arrived at their home to find Toothman injured, claiming that Russell had struck him on the head and stabbed him. Russell was arrested, but the charges were later dropped when the couple vanished.
Advocates point out that these are classic signs of domestic violence dynamics. Abuse tends to escalate over time, but victims often fear coming forward and pressing charges, allowing perpetrators to continue the cycle. Tragically, inaction can lead to violence spiraling out of control.
While the legal system failed to protect Russell in the past, her tragic death might finally bring an end to Toothman’s brutality.
Toothman is currently in custody without bail, facing first-degree murder charges.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that we all have a part to play in addressing domestic violence.
Friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers should keep an eye on loved ones they suspect may be in abusive relationships.
Witnesses to violence or threats should immediately contact the authorities. Numerous organizations at the national, state, and local levels are dedicated to supporting victims, advocating for policy changes, and offering resources.
