Pair face homicide charges

Following a nearly four-month investigation, City of Warren Police have charged two individuals arrested in Ohio with third-degree murder.

Randall Zaner, 42, and Jennifer Babic, 25, both of 109 Franklin St., Warren, were captured Tuesday afternoon by Lake County Sheriff's Department in Lake County, Ohio.

According to information released by the City of Warren Police Department on Thursday, Zaner has been charged with murder in the third degree for drug delivery resulting in death, while Babic has been charged with murder in the third degree for criminal conspiracy drug delivery resulting in death. Both have been charged with unsworn falsification to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

According to police, on March 2, they responded to 609 W. Fifth Ave. for a report of a suspicious death where the victim, Daniel Winwood, 46, was unable to be revived by emergency personnel.

Police said they believed from the beginning of the investigation that Winwood's death was more than an overdose and began to question witnesses and gather evidence in the case.

The investigation revealed that Zaner and Babic were present when Winwood died. Police said they believe that Zaner and Babic were responsible for preparing and administering a drug to Winwood that resulted in his death as well as trying to cover up the crime by destroying evidence and providing false information from the start.

A coroner's report indicated Winwood died as a result of ingesting the drug Fentanyl, which is normally prescribed as a pain medication. According to police, Winwood did not have a prescription for this medication.

Police believe Zaner and Babic fled the state after learning that charges were forthcoming in the case. Both are awaiting extradition back to Warren to answer to the charges, police said.