Shooting suspect’s body found
(Seymour) — A body found off Interstate 65 in Jackson County on Wednesday afternoon, has been confirmed as that of a suspect wanted in a shooting involving an Indiana State Trooper. According to police reports, John Michael Fish, 35, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a wooded area near the Monday evening incident. The encounter between Fish and the trooper occurred near U.S. 50 and Interstate 65 in Seymour, about 60 miles south of Indianapolis. The trooper had pulled a driver over and was approaching the vehicle when Fish opened fire. The uninjured trooper returned fire, but Fish fled the scene. The suspect was on parole after being released from prison on robbery and confinement charges last year.
Toddler dies at church daycare
(Indianapolis) — A 1-year-old boy drowned Wednesday while at a church daycare. IMPD and emergency personnel were dispatched to the Praise Fellowship Assembly of God Church in the 6700 block of Michigan Road on the city’s northside. Investigators say Juan Cardenas became separated from caregivers; no one noticed the child was missing until a therapist arrived to meet with the toddler. Workers began a search and discovered Cardenas in the sanctuary’s baptismal pool which is about two feet deep. The child was rushed to St. Vincent Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. An investigation is ongoing.
Woman charged with abusing children
(New Castle) — A Middletown woman has been charged with felony battery after police say she burned her 4 and 6-year-old grandchildren’s ongues. According to court documents, Child Protective Services began investigating Shirley Hagerman, 56, on January 23 after the boys’ foster parents noticed injuries they suspect the boys received while visiting Hagerman. The boys were taken to Marion General Hospital where doctors determined the boys’ tongues were blistered. Police questioned one of the children who explained Hagerman used a screen on front of a heater with handles on both sides to burn them after they were told to stick out their tongues.
Sentencing made in drug slaying
(Dayton, OH) — The Dayton Daily News is reporting that an Indianapolis man has learned his punishment in the killing of a drug informant. Anthony Croom, 41, received a sentence of life in prison without parole in the 2007 incident. Croom was convicted of aggravated murder and other charges after he ambushed Anthony Hurd to prevent the federal drug informant from testifying against three Richmond Indiana men in a drug case. Hurd was shot multiple times at a gas station along Interstate 70 near Dayton. The cases were dropped after Hurd’s death.
Man arrested after attempted drug deal with trooper
(Richmond) — A man was arrested on felony drug charges and taken to the Wayne County Jail after he allegedly tried to sell drugs to an Indiana State Trooper. According to reports, Justin Michael McNamara, 31, approached the plainclothes on-duty trooper around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. The officer at first thought the suspect was going to rob him due to how fast the suspect approached him. McNamara told the trooper his girlfriend had kicked him of their house and asked the trooper if he wanted to buy some drugs. The trooper responded “yes” and the suspect pulled out pills and marijuana. The trooper then identified himself and arrested McNamara.
State commission confirms Lugar-Mourdock debate
(Indianapolis) — April 11 in Indianapolis is the date for a debate between incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar and challenger State Treasurer Richard Mourdock. The Indiana Debate Commission announced Wednesday that Lugar and Mourdock will debate in the WFYI studios and will be the only debate before the May 8 primary. Mourdock, favored by the Tea Party has recently raised questions challenging Lugar’s residency in relation to his voting eligibility. Lugar, meanwhile, has held his seat in the Senate for 35 years, often running unopposed. The Indiana Debate Commission says almost five debates during this election season are scheduled through the general election.
Former Secretary of State scheduled for sentencing today
(Noblesville) — Former Indiana Secretary of State Charlie White will learn his fate sometime today after being found guilty earlier this month on six felony charges including voter fraud and theft. White faces up to 18 years in prison if given the maximum sentence.
