CINCINNATI, OH — James F. Toothman, 55, faces a first-degree murder charge following the death of his 65-year-old girlfriend, Jeni Russell.
Toothman, who is blind, was arrested after an emergency response team found Russell unresponsive in their Cheviot residence on November 5. First responders discovered Russell face down on a living room couch. She was rushed to Mercy West Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The Cheviot Police Department indicated that Toothman made spontaneous statements at the scene, suggesting culpability in Russell’s death by claiming he had “sat on her head.” A nurse also reported hearing Toothman admit responsibility for the act.
A Hamilton County Coroner’s Office investigator observed signs of a broken neck on Russell’s body, and authorities have concluded that Toothman “purposely” caused Russell’s death.
Historical court records reveal a pattern of domestic violence incidents between Toothman and Russell, with multiple arrests in past years that did not lead to convictions due to Russell’s non-cooperation with prosecution efforts.