Sheriff releases composite of Mendon home invasion suspect

CELINA — Investigators are hoping someone in the public will recognize one of the suspects in the home invasion near Mendon last week and call in to authorities.Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey has released a composite sketch of the first man who knocked on the door at 12617 Dutton Road in the early morning hours Feb. 25. Two men and a woman, one of whom was armed with a handgun, forced their way in and robbed Kathy Fair, 47, and her father, William Fair, 79.The case is being investigated by the same detectives handling the Nov. 30 double murder of Robert Grube, 70, and his daughter, Colleen Grube, 47, at their home near Fort Recovery.“There are many similarities to the two cases, but we have not made a connection at this point,” Grey said.Grey said since Monday, the sheriff’s office has received more than 60 new tips, most on the Fair home invasion.Det. Lance Crum will head up the Fair case while Det. Doug Timmerman continues to lead the Grube case, Grey said. Det. Megan Baker and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation are assisting in both cases as needed, Grey said.A witness came forward and worked with detectives and agents from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation to develop the composite, Grey said. The suspect is described as a stocky white male, shorter than 5-foot 7-inches, and around 30 years old.Grey said anyone with information on either case is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 419-586-7724, the tip line at 567-890-8477 (TIPS) or on the sheriff’s office website at www.mercercountysheriff.org.You can comment on this story online at www.limaohio.com.