Marshall County Police and Prosecutor assist in Ohio murder investigation

An Ohio man arrested by Marshall County Police in 2023 was sentenced to a minimum of 43 years in prison for two counts of murder, one count of rape and one count of kidnapping.

On Nov. 13, 2023, a deputy with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding on U.S. 30 at Michigan Road. The vehicle fled, and a pursuit was initiated. While pursuing the vehicle, a passenger could be seen attempting to exit the vehicle multiple times. The pursuit ended at the Marathon Gas Station in Wanatah.

During the traffic stop, the passenger of the vehicle told police she was being transported against her will and that other crimes were committed.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department began an investigation, and it was revealed that Brandon Toleque was allegedly involved in a murder in Powell, Ohio. The Marshall County Sheriff's Department contacted the Powell Police Department, who went to an address in Powell and discovered a male deceased within the residence.

Toleque was lodged in the Marshall County Jail, and a joint investigation began with the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, the Marshall County Prosecutor's Office, and the Powell, Ohio Police Department.

Toleque ended up being charged with murder in Delaware County, Ohio. After a 5-day trial he was found guilty of two counts of murder with a firearm, one count of kidnapping and one count of rape and sentenced on Tuesday in Delaware County, Ohio, to a minimum of 43 years.