Update on Millers Run Fallen Timber Rd Murder

NEWS RELEASE​​​​​​​​

September 3rd, 2025

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that an arrest has been made in connection to the homicide that took place on September 1, 2025, located at 218 Millers Run, Fallen Timber Road, Lucasville, OH 45648.

Sheriff Thoroughman states that his 911 communication center received a 9-1-1 call on Monday, September 1st, 2025 at 9:40 pm. The caller stated that he had stopped by the residence to check on his friend and had found his friend unresponsive and possibly deceased.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that detectives have been investigating the homicide non-stop since it was reported and that they were able to identify a person of interest on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Later that day, after searching several locations, detectives were able to locate the individual inside a business in the City of Portsmouth. This was at 3:23 p.m. He was detained and transported to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, where he was later arrested and charged in connection with the homicide.

Arrested was James Paul Ruggles, age 33, currently listed as homeless. Ruggles has been charged with Aggravated Murder, a felony of the 1st degree, Aggravated Arson, a felony of the 1st degree, Felonious Assault, a felony of the 1st degree, Murder, a felony of the 1st degree, Arson, a felony of the 1st degree, Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the 3rd degree, Resisting Arrest, a felony of the 4th degree, and Obstructing Official Business, a felony of the 5th degree. Ruggles is being held without bond and will appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday, September 4,2025.

Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation that will result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury on a later date.