CLEVELAND – Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley announced that a Cuyahoga County grand jury has returned an indictment charging James G. Drahos, 58, for killing 56-year-old Tammy Dubuisson and dumping her body in a dumpster in Cleveland.

“Questions regarding what happened with Tammy Dubuisson’s disappearance went unanswered for over a month. With this indictment, our office is starting to piece together the events that unfolded that tragic day and we are taking the first step to seek justice for Tammy and her family. My thoughts and prayers remain with them throughout this difficult time.”

Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley

Between May 15 to June 6, 2024, James Drahos was with his live-in girlfriend, Tammy Dubuisson, at their shared residence near West 139th Street and Sherry Avenue in Cleveland. While in the driveway, Drahos struck Tammy Dubuisson’s head causing her to fall on the ground. He then went inside the residence and left her outside for eight to 10 hours. Drahos failed to call 911 or provide her medical services.

Upon discovering her deceased body, he then double-wrapped her body in construction trash bags and disposed of her in a garbage can outside their residence. On June 6, Drahos removed her body from the garbage can and transported her in a wagon to a nearby elementary school. Once there, he placed her inside the dumpster.

On July 7, James Drahos’s and Tammy Dubuisson’s daughter went to their shared residence. She located bone fragments in the driveway and called the police. The Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) responded to the scene and collected the bone fragments. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the bones to be human remains. On July 9, James Drahos was arrested.

The investigation is being conducted by CDP and remains ongoing. Drahos confessed to CDP homicide detectives to killing Tammy Dubuisson and disposing her body. Additionally, video evidence linked Drahos to the crime.

On July 17, 2024, James Drahos was indicted on the following charges:

  • One count of Murder
  • One count of Gross Abuse of a Corpse
  • One count of Tampering With Evidence
  • One count of Domestic Violence

Drahos will be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center at a later date.