An Ohio man accused of sexually assaulting a woman who later died from her injuries was reportedly held on a $2 million bond after prosecutors described the attack as exceptionally violent.
Online records with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office show 41-year-old Adam Richardson was charged with murder, rape, and felonious assault.
Adam Richardson (Photo: Summit County Sheriff’s Office)
WJW reported that Richardson appeared in court on Friday and did not enter a plea, adding that the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as 48-year-old Amy Beth Berkhouse.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said detectives executed a search warrant at Richardson’s house on Wednesday, which marked nearly than 10 months since the attack. During the search, investigators said they recovered electronic devices, illegal drugs, and cash.
The case dates back to 2025 after the sheriff’s office said a woman — later identified as Berkhouse — called 911 to report that she had been sexually assaulted. Deputies responded to the scene and the woman was taken to an area hospital for treatment, but she later died from injuries sustained during the assault.
Citing an affidavit, WJW reported that Berkhouse told authorities Richardson punched her in the head multiple times, as well as choked and raped her. She later suffered a spinal stroke after a blood clot traveled to her spine, leaving her paralyzed, per the outlet.
The outlet noted that a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said Berkhouse reported the rape on August 30, was admitted to the hospital on September 7, and died on December 16.
Detectives launched an investigation and identified Richardson as the suspect. He was arrested and booked into the Summit County Jail, where he remains in custody.
Authorities said more charges might be filed as the investigation continues and forensic evidence is analyzed.
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If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
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