Police: Middletown man not stabbed over fireworks, but killed ‘over theft’ argument

Kenneth Roesch appeared for a hearing in Middletown Municipal Court Monday, July 15 charged with murder for allegedly stabbing Carlton Brock several times in the torso during an argument. The case was sent to Butler County Grand Jury by Judge James Sherron. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Kenneth Roesch appeared for a hearing in Middletown Municipal Court Monday, July 15 charged with murder for allegedly stabbing Carlton Brock several times in the torso during an argument. The case was sent to Butler County Grand Jury by Judge James Sherron. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

A Butler County grand jury will decide the fate of a Middletown man charged with murder, a first-degree felony.

Middletown Municipal Court Judge James Sherron said he found probable cause of the murder charge against Kenneth Roesch, 36, of Middletown. Roesch allegedly stabbed and killed Carlton Brock, 41, of Middletown, after an altercation on July 5 in the 2100 block of Arlington Avenue.

Sherron said Roesch faces life in prison, and he kept Roesch’s bond at $1 million.

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Middletown Detective Kenneth Mynhier, a 20-year veteran, was the only witness who testified Monday afternoon in court. He said police originally were told the stabbing occurred after Roesch and Brock got into an argument over fireworks. But after interviewing more witnesses, Mynhier said the alleged attack was “over theft.”

Brock, who lived in a detached garage on Arlington, allegedly told Roesch to stay away from his property, then there was “an exchange of words,” Mynhier testified.

He also said Brock allegedly tried to punch Roesch, then Brock grabbed Roesch by the head. Roesch reached into his pocket, pulled out a black lock pocket knife and stabbed Brock five times in the upper torso and chest, the detective testified.

MORE: Police: Fireworks dispute leads to murder charge for Middletown man

Brock walked several feet and collapsed in the alley from his injuries, police said. Roesch allegedly fled the area on foot after the attack, Mynhier said.

During cross examination from attorney Kathleen Batliner, Mynhier said Brock had no weapons. Mynhier said Roesch was treated and released that night from Kettering Medical Center Middletown.

When police received the call at 10:30 p.m. about the stabbing, Mynhier said he drove to Atrium Medical Center to interview Brock, then was notified Brock had died at the hospital. He then drove to Arlington to interview witnesses, he said.

Since 2013, Roesch has been charged 12 times by Middletown police, according to court records. Some of those charges include drug abuse/fentanyl, drug abuse/methamphetamine, petty theft and assault.

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