Sheriff focuses on people of interest in Grube murders

FORT RECOVERY - Investigators have some people of interest in the 2011 murders of Fort Recovery-area residents Robert and Colleen Grube.

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey made the announcement this morning - nearly one year after their deaths - as part of a press statement, adding he is "very hopeful" resolution of the case will come soon.

"We have some individuals that we are very curious about and that is our focus at this point," he said. "I believe we are headed down the right path."

Robert Grube, 70, and his daughter, Colleen, 47, were found bound with duct tape and shot to death at their Burrville Road home the morning of Nov. 30. Items had been strewn about the house, leading detective to believe the perpetrator(s) had been looking for something. Other than a laptop computer, they have not elaborated further on what was taken.  

Initially, the time frame was set between 5 p.m. Nov. 29 - the time Colleen left the home of relatives after baby-sitting - and 9 a.m. Nov. 30, when the bodies were found by a relative. The suspected time has been narrowed to a two-hour window, which officials have not divulged.

Grey announced early in the investigation that DNA evidence found at the crime scene revealed at least one man and one woman were admitted to the home by one of the victims or came in through an unlocked door because there was no evidence of forced entry.

Some 300 interviews have been conducted with more than 250 people during the course of the investigation, Grey said. Those people ranged from individuals claiming to have information about the crimes to a Cooper Farms crew working at a nearby poultry farm about the time of the murders.

"We have ruled several people out as possible suspects," Grey said. "However, we continue to follow up on any and all tips."

Detectives have traveled through southern and southwestern Ohio. Tips also lead them to Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Grey lauded the continued assistance of Attorney General Mike DeWine, whose office provided a crime scene team, investigators and lab services. Roger Davis, a special agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification, continues to work with local detectives.

More than 200 pieces of evidence have been submitted to BCI & I labs, and Grey pointed out some newly acquired evidence will be sent in coming days.

Anonymous donors have posted a $20,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible. Anyone having information about the murders should contact the sheriff's office at 419-586-7724 or visit the agency's website at www.mercercountysheriff.org.

A candlelight vigil for the Grubes is planned for 7 p.m. tonight at St. Joe Catholic Church near Fort Recovery, where Robert Grube had served as a lector and communion distributor. Those attending should bring their own candles.

The Daily Standard will have continued coverage of the Grube murders in Friday's paper.