The Darke County Grand Jury has indicted 36 year old, Jamin Brenner, on criminal charges of Aggravated Murder and Aggravated Arson. This indictment presented by Darke County Prosecutor James Bennett was the result of a six month investigation conducted by Darke County Sheriff’s Detectives, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Darke County Coroner’s Office.

On December 12, 2024, at approximately 2:45 p.m. the Darke County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at 42 Little John Drive in Sherwood Forest Trailer Community. While crews were battling the fire, the body of 86 year old Beverly Lees was located inside her residence. Ms. Lees was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the victim was intentionally set on fire resulting in her death.

Jamin Brenner who is the victim’s grandson and lived at the location of the fire has been charged with two counts of aggravated murder, and two counts of aggravated arson.

On June 27, 2025 Brenner was located in Dayton, Ohio and arrested by Darke County Detectives, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, with the assistance of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Detectives. Brenner is currently being held at the Darke County Jail and awaiting arraignment.