Motions rejected in fire-death case

HAMILTON — A southwestern Ohio judge has rejected motions to separate and move the case of two men charged in a house fire that resulted in a firefighter’s death.

Butler County Common Pleas Judge Greg Stephens said Monday the defense request to move the trial because of heavy pretrial publicity could be revisited after an effort is made to seat a jury in November.

Prosecutors allege homeowner Lester Parker solicited his nephew, William “Billy” Tucker, to set the fire that resulted in the death of a Hamilton firefighter in 2015. Patrick Wolterman died after falling through a floor of the burning home.

Parker and Tucker have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and arson.

Stephens also denied Tucker attorney Tamara Sack’s request to try them separately. home in Mansfield, about 70 miles northeast of Columbus. Parts of Hudson’s body were found in February 2016 at various locations in the county.

Authorities said Renz and co-defendant Linda Buckner, who earlier received the same sentence, plotted to steal from Hudson and traveled the country using her bank card.

Assistant Prosecutor Brandon Pigg said Renz was convicted of charges including aiding and abetting aggravated murder and corpse abuse.

Renz’s attorney didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment Monday.