Investigation into Grube murders results in arrests in other case

Information obtained during the ongoing investigation into the late November murders of a Fort Recovery man and his daughter led to last week's discovery of a methamphetamine lab and the arrest of five people on various drug-related charges in Darke County.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey told The Daily Standard this morning that his office was contacted by the Jay County Sheriff's Office regarding "similarities" between the case involving the deaths of Robert and Colleen Grube and something that had occurred in their jurisdiction.

Upon further investigation, Mercer County law enforcement officers contacted the Darke County Sheriff's Office with information regarding the presence of a possible methamphetamine lab at a property along state Route 571 near Union City.

Grey declined to comment on the nature of the similarities, but added detectives followed up on the information and received enough information to assist the Darke County agency in obtaining a search warrant. The Jay County force reportedly has no double murder case but is investigating apparent thefts from homes.

Local deputies as well as agents from the Ohio Bureau of Investigation and Identification (BCI & I) were on hand when the warrant was served Jan. 3. In addition to the arrests of Ohio and Indiana suspects, three stolen vehicles - including one in the Mendon area - were recovered.

Since the bodies of the Grubes were found bound and shot to death the morning of Nov. 30 at the Burrville Road home they shared, investigators have conducted nearly 90 interviews, received 73 tips, requested and received 63 court orders/subpoenas and served 11 search warrants. Additionally, 17 new pieces of evidence were recovered at unspecified locations.

Grey said the ultimate goal is not only to identify the people responsible for the murders but to gain a conviction in the case which is among the most serious a law enforcement agency can face.

"Murder has no statute of limitations so we are gathering everything possible to help solve the crime now," he added. "In the event it is not solved in the immediate future we need to have all the information to be utilized later."

The sheriff likened the process to putting all possible puzzle pieces into a box and then reviewing each to see where and how it fits.

Investigators know Colleen Grube was last seen leaving a relative's home at 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and she and her father were found bound with duct tape and shot at approximately 9 a.m. Nov. 30. Information has narrowed the time of the incident to a two-hour window, which is not being released.

Investigators believe at least one male and one female offender entered the home through an unlocked door or were admitted by one of the victims. Someone rifled through the home and a laptop computer was taken.

Grey declined to say whether additional items were missing.

"While making arrests is important, the main focus remains putting together a case that not only identifies the people responsible but results in convictions," Grey said.

The sheriff urges people with information related to the case to call the tip line at 567-890-TIPS (8477) or visit the website at www.mercercountysheriff.org.