Recordpub.com - Beaten man in critical condition: Sheriff identifies victim as Richard Lowther, 68, of Rootstown

Darrel Dukes - Charged with complicity to murder

Jonathan Dukes — Charged with murder

Jodi Fetty - Charged with complicity to murder

Cortez Oliver — Charged with murder

By Matt Fredmonsky

Record-Courier staff writer

A Rootstown man remains in critical condition and could be paralyzed following an attack and robbery at his Tallmadge Road home last week.

Authorities identified Richard Lowther, 68, of 2954 Tallmadge Road, as the man whom four people are accused of beating at his home Thursday and robbing him of a coin collection.

Portage County Sheriff David Doak released Lowther’s name Tuesday. Lowther’s identification came one day after separate, $350,000 bonds were set for the four people accused of luring him out of his home and attacking him.

Doak said his department is maintaining contact with Lowther’s son, who indicated to authorities Lowther was paralyzed from the chest down as a result of his injuries sustained early Thursday morning.

Portage County Sheriff’s Lt. Greg Johnson said Lowther’s son told investigators he is in critical condition and on a ventilator at Akron City Hospital.

“He said his dad has stabilized and they’re hoping he’s going to improve,” Johnson said.

Authorities believe Jodi Fetty, 27, of 3647 McClintocksburg Road, Diamond, knocked on Lowther’s door at 2:30 a.m. Thursday claiming she had car trouble. She asked to use his phone. Lowther lives alone.

While she used the phone, Jonathan Dukes, 23, of 3865 Blake Ave., Ravenna, and Cortez M. Oliver, 20, of Fairlawn, appeared on Lowther’s porch. He ventured outside to see who the men were and they attacked him, according to police.

The attackers then entered Lowther’s home and took a collection of state commemorative quarters before fleeing in a car driven by Dukes’ brother, 21-year-old Darrell Dukes of 3075 S.R. 59, Ravenna.

All four people charged in the burglary were arraigned Monday on aggravated burglary charges, all of which are first-degree felonies. Authorities expect additional charges will be filed after the case is presented to a Portage County grand jury Thursday.

The suspects were arrested when they attempted to turn in 740 of the commemorative quarters — a total $185 — at the Ravenna Giant Eagle store.

Johnson said the burglars may have gotten more than the 740 quarters they attempted to cash in.

“This elderly gentleman is now in the hospital, possibly paralyzed, for 740 quarters,” Johnson said.

7.	Posted by chilidawg July 8, 2009
	Political correctness needs to end. It is ruining this country. I was born and raised in Edinburg with a Rootstown Zip Code. Not so long ago, people like these perps would not feel comfortable operating in that area. They certainly wouldn't be caught in the country at night. Then again, not so long ago, our daughters would not be associating with them. I never remember locking our doors at night. We never had any problems, except for the occasional tiolet papering of the trees out front. Now, the doors are locked, and I pack a gun when I go to the grocery store. I am at least proud that I spent years helping lobby for the Concealed Carry and Castle Doctrine laws that we now have in this state. My main project now, is to make sure people know that Open Carry of a firearm is legal in ALL of Ohio, and is upheld by the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. I hope people exercise these rights to their advantage.

2.	Posted by Old Ma July 8, 2009
	Kitty, Sad but they most likely will be released someday. They will recruit and breed. Wasp sray should be jumping off the store shelves. Repost: Can't buy guns now without a paper trail. Wasp spray sprays 50 to 75 feet, very accurately. Flare guns can also be purchased and promises to light up the night, but not safe inside your own home. Somebody else mentioned keeping your keys by the bed if you have a burglary alarm on the car. If you don't already own a gun, this is the wrong time to start thinking about buying one. Base ball bats, hot coffee, a can a peaches, pepper spray but you don't have to wait for attacker to get close if you have wasp spray. I am still praying for this man. GD posted last note under my name. She has been corrected. I STILL HAVE HOPE AND PRAY FOR RECOVERY. I pray also that all four monsters get the same prison and or death sentence, even the woman. Specially the woman.