Coroner rules homicide in Putnam Street death

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - The death of Elijah Thomas Ross has been ruled a homicide by the Allen County Coroner’s Office, that office said Friday. The development means that homicide charges may be brought against one or both of the suspects arrested earlier this week -- the mother and stepmother of the victim.

Elijah’s manner of death was determined to be blunt force injuries of the head, the coroner’s office said. The case is the 46th homicide for Fort Wayne and Allen County in 2021.

Candles, stuffed animals and other mementos have been left at the home of 9-year-old Elijah... — Candles, stuffed animals and other mementos have been left at the home of 9-year-old Elijah Ross, whose death has now been ruled a homicide.(Staff)

Ross’ biological mother, Jenna Miller, and his stepmother, Alesha Miller, have been charged in his death. Each currently faces multiple counts, including felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death.

Court records detailed severe injuries to Elijah, who was brought to Lutheran Hospital during the early morning hours last Saturday by Jenna and Alesha Miller. The boy was “cold and limp” and already entering rigor mortis, investigators determined.

Police arrested the mother and stepmother after conducting interviews with the two women. Jenna Miller, Elijah’s mother, told detectives that “Alesha is the one who continuously kept whooping” the boy, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Elijah’s death prompted gatherings at the boy’s home in the 800 block of Putnam Street and calls for swift action by police and prosecutors. Two other children lived with Elijah at the house, records showed.

The suspects told police they were attending a holiday party and the children were at home, when they began fighting. Records show they said they returned home and that Elijah was already hurt after he was pushed into a bookcase by an older sibling.

The next hearing related to the case is set for Dec. 29.