The Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office released additional details on the attempted murder arrest of Robert Allen James.
About 7:15 Sunday evening Plymouth Police were dispatched to 516 ½ Pennsylvania Avenue for a physical domestic complaint. Two officers arrived on the scene and found the homeowner, Brittney Jameson outside of the apartment and observed Robert James shut the apartment door.
Officer Krynock approached the door and James opened it and he was covered in blood. He told the officers that he wanted to die and was striking his head against the side of the house. He also stated that he had stabbed Ron Obenchain because he was in love with Ms. Jameson and wanted her all to himself. James was placed in custody at this time.
Officer Krynock heard a male subject yelling from inside the residence and located Obenchain lying on the floor of the bathroom inside the shower. His clothing was soaked with blood and the floor was covered in blood.
Ronald Obenchain Jr. was transported by helicopter to South Bend Memorial Hospital where he underwent immediate emergency surgery Sunday night treating approximately twenty-six stab wounds, including extensive wounds to his abdomen and stab wounds to this neck and face. Obenchain remains in the critical care unit
Detective Jim Cox arrived on the scene Sunday night and head Robert James yelling from inside Officer Bridget Hite’s squad car stating that he wanted to die. He also observed him smashing his head against the cage in the car. During transport to the hospital for jail clearance James was combative and that continued at the hospital. He was given medication by the staff to calm down.
Detective Cox interviewed Brittney Jameson who witnessed the stabbing. She said James had been visiting her and her good friend Ronald Obenchain came over to visit. She said the three of them had been drinking vodka and beer and Ron had passed out in the bathroom. At this point an argument ensued between her and Robert James and she alleged that he pulled a knife from his sock and threatened her. Obenchain woke up and pushed James. At that point Jameson left the bathroom and ran outside to get help.
On Monday afternoon Robert James was released from the hospital and transported to the Plymouth Police Department where he waived his rights and spoke with Detective Cox. James said after they had drank the alcohol Ron Obenchain wanted to make porn with Brittney and the two of them went into the bathroom. James said he could hear her voice raise and the two were arguing. He went into the bathroom and alleges that Ron attacked him so he pulled a knife and stabbed him.
Robert James was lodged in the Marshall County Jail on a charge of attempted murder as a class A Felony and held on a $100,000 cash bond. Judge Robert Bowen also set a No Contact Order for Brittney Jameson and or Ronald Obenchain Jr. if James is released.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
