Police declined to elaborate on how the homicides were connected when contacted by the Journal-News.
NEW: Download the free Journal-News app, Butler County’s #1 source for crime news
On Nov. 4, police responded to 1517 Lafayette Ave. and found Romano fatally shot inside the kitchen of the home.
Romano was found about 8 a.m. by two people described by police as housemates. His death was ruled a homicide by the Butler County Coroner’s Office, who said Romano died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Romano’s two housemates — Doug Hobbs and Paige Morris — were charged last month with obstructing official business for allegedly not being truthful in their statements to detectives at the beginning of the investigation, police said.
Less than 24 hours later, the body of Tiffany Hoskins was found inside a home at 1507 Jacoby Ave. that caught fire.
Firefighters found flames shooting from the second floor of the home when they arrived at about 4:20 a.m. Nov. 5 After being told the home was vacant and fighting the blaze for about 1o minutes, firefighters found Hoskins’ body at the top of the home’s stairway.
Hoskins had a gunshot wound to the head, Middletown police confirmed Thursday.
Her family previously said Hoskins was dead before the blaze started.
After an investigation, police served four search warrants Thursday at several residences in the city. Search warrants also were served on two Mercedes Benz vehicles in Butler County as part of an ongoing investigation, according to police.
Best, Brown and Graham were all arrested Thursday and charged as part of the investigation, police said. All three men are being held in Middletown City Jail awaiting arraignment. Brown additionally was charged with drug abuse.
Police said they expect additional charges in relation to the two cases.
About the Author
