Orrville, OH: Blunt impact, strangulation, wound Coroner reports on cause of death in suspected murder of Orrville woman

ORRVILLE -- An Orrville woman found dead in her home at 520 McGill St. on May 5 died of strangulation, blunt impacts to the head and sharp injury to the upper body, according to the Wayne County coroner's report.

According to the written report of Dr. Amy Jolliff, coroner, Jamie Hout's primary cause of death was strangulation. Although the report notes weapons were used, the Orrville Police Department declined to comment about the weapons used and collected at the crime scene.

Hout was found on the far side of the living room, face down, wearing a tank top and socks. A large amount of dried blood was found beneath her head. There was a 14-hour delay before the body was removed from the scene due to the collection of trace evidence. The body was continuously guarded by the Orrville Police Department and the Coroner's office throughout that time.

The report notes Hout had a medical history of drug abuse, and cocaine and Benzoylecgonine were found in her system.

Lonnie Troy Brown Jr., 48, of 7421 Back Orrville Road, Orrville, was arrested May 16 and charged in the death of Hout. Brown is the man who reported finding Hout dead to Orrville Police.

Brown pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and murder. If convicted, Brown faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life without parole.

Brown remains in the custody at the Wayne County jail. Common Pleas Judge Corey Spitler set bond at 10 percent of $500,000. Brown is being represented by attorney Wayne Graham.

According to Orrville Police reports, Brown said he went to Hout's home because he was concerned when he hadn't heard from her for a few days. He told police, according to reports, he found her dead body and went to a neighbor's home to ask that the police be called.

Orrville Police Chief Dino Carozza said previously police believe Brown may have remained inside the house after killing Hout, whose time of death is believed to be about 1 a.m. May 5, according to the Wayne County Coroner's report. Brown contacted authorities at about 7:20 p.m.

Carozza said previously that evidence recovered from Brown's residence, along with that gathered at the crime scene, link Brown to the killing.

Currently, Brown's case is set for a jury trial Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. in Spitler's courtroom.