Missing man found in shallow grave

DARKE COUNTY - A homicide investigation is underway in Darke County after the body of a 30-year-old-man reported missing was found in a shallow grave in Brown Township.

Authorities now seek two people connected to the case, Dean M. Baker, 35, and Ashlee Fletcher, 37, both of Greenville, according to a news release from Darke County Sheriff Mark E. Whittaker.

Corey Fleming was reported missing by family to the Union City, Ohio Police Department on Thursday, the release states. The Greenville Police Department also launched an investigation in Greenville "as a result of suspicious circumstances connected to Fleming's disappearance."

The joint investigation reportedly led authorities to rural areas in Darke County.

A shallow grave was discovered by investigators on Saturday afternoon during a search on the property of a commercial poultry operation in Brown Township in northwest Darke County, the release states.

The Darke County Coroner's Office responded to the scene and the body was identified as Corey Fleming, according to the release.

The homicide case remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office, Greenville Police Department and the Darke County Coroner's Office.

A warrant has been issued for Baker on charges of tampering with evidence, a felony of the third degree, the release states. A warrant has also been issued for Fletcher on charges of having weapons while under disability, a felony of the fourth degree.

Anyone with information on the case or the whereabouts of Baker and Fletcher should call the Darke County Sheriff's Office at 937-548-2020 or the Greenville Police Department at 937-548-1103.

Union City Ohio Police Department on Thursday announced on social media that a missing person investigation was initiated for Fleming.

"During the investigation it was deemed that Fleming had not been seen for approximately 1 week. Mr. Fleming is thought to be in possible danger," the post read.