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Articles by Douglas Walker
Muncie man accused of criminal confinement, sexual battery
Muncie man accused of criminal confinement, sexual battery Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press Updated Tue, November 10, 2026 at 12:32 PM EST Muncie man accused of criminal confinement, sexual battery MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie man has been accused of battering and confining a female acquaintance. Adalberto M. Rios, 25, was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 8, on suspicion of criminal confinement, sexual battery and domestic battery. He continues to be held without bond on Tuesday in the Delaware County Jail.
Richmond man charged in child pornography investigation Original
Nov. 5, 2026, 2:02 p.m. ET RICHMOND, IN — An investigation tied to child pornography has resulted in two felony charges against a young Richmond man. Sawyer Jude Knott, 21, is charged in Wayne Circuit Court with child exploitation and possession of child sex abuse material, both Level 4 felonies carrying up to 12 years in prison.
Henry Co. man awaiting molest trial now charged with child exploitation
Oct. 30, 2026, 10:27 a.m. ET NEW CASTLE, IN — A Henry County man awaiting trial on molesting charges filed more than two years ago now stands accused of sending a juvenile a nude photograph of himself. Christopher J. Johnson, 37, of Knightstown, was charged on Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Henry Circuit Court 2 with child exploitation, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison.
Henry Co. man awaiting molest trial now charged with child exploitation
Oct. 30, 2026, 10:27 a.m. ET NEW CASTLE, IN — A Henry County man awaiting trial on molesting charges filed more than two years ago now stands accused of sending a juvenile a nude photograph of himself. Christopher J. Johnson, 37, of Knightstown, was charged on Tuesday, Aug. 27, in Henry Circuit Court 2 with child exploitation, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison.
Hearts vs Rangers predictions, tips, best bets & Scottish Premiership preview as Derek McInnes returns
Football betting tips: Scottish Premiership 2pts Min-su Kim to score or assist at 5/4 (bet365) 0.5pt Laurent Mendy to score anytime at 8/1 (General) 1pt Draw at 11/4 (General) Sky Bet odds | Paddy Power | Betfair When the Scottish Premiership fixtures were released in June this matchday was immediately circled on the calendars of Hearts supporters.
Five shot early Sunday in parking lot of White River Plaza
MUNCIE, IN — Five people were shot on the early morning of Sunday, Oct. 25, in the parking lot of White River Plaza on Muncie's west side. Two of the victims were released after treatment in the emergency department at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, according to Melissa Criswell, Muncie Police Department deputy chief. The other three victims continued to be treated at area hospitals, she said, for non-life-threatening injuries.
Yorktown football star's slaying allegedly a case of mistaken identity
MUNCIE — Muncie police say they have linked a Farmland man to the Oct. 5 shooting death of a Yorktown High School football star. Melissa Criswell, Muncie Police Department deputy chief, said Friday that detectives have completed a probable cause affidavit accusing 40-year-old Dairus T. Thompson II of aiding, inducing or causing murder. Thompson was arrested Oct. 14 on charges that stemmed from a Sept. 6 homicide in Anderson. He continued to be held Friday in the Delaware County Jail.
Muncie youth, 14 at time of teen's killing, draws 61-year prison term
Robert Wilson, now 16, received a 61-year sentence for his role in the August 2024 shooting death of Latajohne Phillips, a 15-year-old Muncie youth. MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie youth who was 14 when he was involved in the slaying of a 15-year-old victim was sentenced on Monday, Oct. 19, to 61 years in prison. A Delaware Circuit Court 5 jury on Sept. 21 found Robert L. Wilson, now 16, guilty of felony murder and obstruction of justice in the August 2024 shooting death of Latajohne Phillips.
Shamed former SPFL star jailed after money laundering scheme launches kids soccer school
Shamed ex-footie star James Keatings has launched his own kids soccer school - less than a year after being freed from jail for money laundering. The former Hearts and Hibs ace was caged last year after being caught transporting £400,000 in dirty cash for crooks. He was handed a 13-month sentence but released after just two months last December. Now he has launched his 19 Football Academy in a nod to his playing number.
Richmond men sentenced in Earlham College burglary
Oct. 9, 2026, 2:18 p.m. ET RICHMOND, IN — Three Richmond men have been sentenced for their roles in a break-in on the Earlham College campus. Nikolas Ayden Fulton, 23; Mark Dewayne Gabbard II, 21; and Ryan Lawrence Kelly Jr., 22, each pleaded guilty to theft, a Level 6 felony carrying up to three years in prison. Under the terms of plea agreement, burglary counts pending against each man was dismissed.
Richmond police: Bullets that killed 1, wounded 2 shot through door
RICHMOND, IN — A teenager charged with fatally shooting a Richmond woman and seriously wounding two juveniles allegedly fired eight gunshots through a door, court documents say. Joshua Wade "J-Murda" Smith, 18 — most recently of Knoxville, Tennessee — was charged in Wayne Circuit Court on Friday, Oct. 2, with murder and nine other charges , including three counts of attempted murder. Richmond police on Monday were continuing their efforts to find Smith.
Investigation of Yorktown football star's slaying continues
Melissa Criswell, deputy chief for the Muncie Police Department, said detectives on Tuesday are "still out working hard" on the murder investigation. Christopher Wilson Jr., 17, was found shot to death in a vehicle in the 1400 block of East Cromer Avenue about 3 a.m. Monday. He had reportedly been shot multiple times.
Fatal shooting of Yorktown football star being investigated by Muncie police
MUNCIE, IN — Muncie police are investigating the shooting death of a Yorktown teenager on the early morning of Monday, Oct. 5. According to Melissa Criswell, deputy chief of the Muncie Police Department, the body of 17-year-old Christopher Wilson Jr. was found in a vehicle in the 1400 block of East Cromer Avenue. Delaware County emergency dispatchers received a report of a shooting at 2:59 a.m., the deputy chief said. The teen had been shot multiple times, she said.
Muncie police investigating fatal shooting of Yorktown football star
The teen, who had been shot multiple times, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Melissa Criswell, deputy chief of the Muncie Police Department. Wilson was a highly-rated high school football recruit who had committed to West Virginia University. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked the call the MPD detective division at 765-747-4867. MUNCIE, IN — Muncie police are investigating the shooting death of a Yorktown teenager on the early morning of Monday, Oct. 5.
Warrant issued for Tennessee teen charged in Richmond homicide
RICHMOND, IN —Richmond police announced on the evening of Friday, Oct. 2, that a warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 18-year-old man in connection with a fatal shooting. Joshua Wade Smith, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was charged Friday in Wayne Circuit Court with crimes including murder, three counts of attempted murder, attempted burglary, attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. The charges stem from an incident on the morning of Monday, Sept.
Wayne County man accused of beating child with wooden plunger handle
RICHMOND, IN — A Wayne County man has been accused of beating a child with a wooden plunger handle. Charles Eaton, 67, of Hagerstown, was charged on Wednesday, Sept. 30, with domestic battery resulting in bodily injury to a person under the age of 14, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison.
Richmond police investigating 3 shootings, 1 fatal; juvenile arrested
RICHMOND, IN — Richmond police are investigating a fatal shooting and have arrested a juvenile on related — but, to this point, unidentified — charges. Emergency responders were sent to the 800 block of South E Street about 6:20 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, after dispatchers received a report of gunfire. Richmond resident Cecelia Hargrove was found dead at the scene, city police said in a release issued Tuesday morning. Hargrove's age was not included in the release.
Richmond father accused of biting, shaking infant daughter
Richmond police said the baby, taken to Reid Hospital by her mother, had what appeared to be a bite mark on her face, and marks and bruises on her neck, left leg and back. Medical personnel at Reid Hospital told police the baby had suffered two brain bleeds. Pennington also admitted to shaking the infant, according to an affidavit. Pennington told officers he had "anger issues" and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Crash injuries claim life of Monroe Central student
PARKER CITY, IN — Crash injuries have claimed the life of a Monroe Central Junior/Senior High School student. Charli Siekmann, 16, of rural Farmland, died on Wednesday, Sept. 23, in an Indianapolis hospital, a week after she was critically injured in a one-vehicle accident on Randolph County Road 1200 West. A report from the Randolph County Sheriff's Department said on the morning of Sept. 16, her Honda Civic left the road on wet pavement and struck a tree.
Richmond woman charged with burglarizing neighbor's apartment
Sept. 23, 2026, 1:45 p.m. ET RICHMOND, IN — A Richmond woman has been accused of entering her neighbor's apartment and removing $800 in cash from his wallet. Melody Jean Stouffer, 56, is charged in Wayne Circuit Court with burglary, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison. Wayne County sheriff's deputies said the man reported the theft of his money on Sept. 6.
Two members of Dunkirk family facing meth-dealing charges
Sept. 23, 2026, 11:55 a.m. ET DUNKIRK, IN — Two Dunkirk men face drug-related charges, including dealing in meth, filed against them on Monday, Sept. 21, in Jay Circuit Court. The dealing counts against 65-year-old Thomas Alton Beauchemin and 18-year-old Brayden C. Beauchemin, both of the 600 block of South Franklin Street, are Level 2 felonies carrying maximum 30-year sentences.
Muncie woman arrested after dead dog found in cage
MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie woman was arrested after city police and animal control officials found a dead dog in a cage at her former residence. Arrested on Friday, Sept. 18, on suspicion of cruelty to an animal, 26-year-old Marian Grace Passmore was later released from the Delaware County Jail.
Muncie man accused of dealing fentanyl to task force informant
Sept. 22, 2026, 3:01 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie man has been accused of twice selling fentanyl to an informant for the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force. Eric Jamar McDowell, 37, was charged on Monday, Sept. 21, in Delaware Circuit Court 2 with two counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, along with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of cocaine.
Muncie youth, 16, guilty of felony murder, robbery in teen's slaying
Sept. 21, 2026, 6:05 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie youth who was 14 when he was involved in events leading to another teen's fatal shooting was convicted on Monday, Sept. 21, of felony murder. After about four hours of deliberations on Monday afternoon, the Delaware Circuit Court 5 jury also found Robert L. Wilson, now 16, guilty of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice.
Randolph County man charged with child molesting
Sept. 21, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET WINCHESTER, IN — A Randolph County man has been accused of sexually abusing a pre-teen girl. Jacob Anthony Beane, 36, was charged on Monday, Sept. 21 in Randolph Circuit Court with child molesting, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison. According to an affidavit, a juvenile told authorities Beane had improperly touched her between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 21, 2020, when she was under the age of 12. The incidents allegedly took place in Lynn.
Randolph County man charged with child molesting
WINCHESTER, IN — A Randolph County man has been accused of sexually abusing a pre-teen girl. Jacob Anthony Beane, 36, was charged on Monday, Sept. 21 in Randolph Circuit Court with child molesting, a Level 4 felony carrying up to 12 years in prison.
Deputies: DNA testing links Richmond man to greenhouse burglary
Sept. 21, 2026, 9:51 a.m. ET A Wayne County sheriff's deputy was on his way to a reported break-in at County Side Greenhouse, 8141 Carlos Road, on Nov. 2, 2024, when he observed "cash register in the middle of the road." Recovered from the scene of the break-in was a flashlight the business owner said had apparently been left behind by the burglar. RICHMOND, IN — A Richmond man has been accused of stealing a cash register from a local greenhouse. Tracy E.
Portland woman's claims about cancer treatment lead to perjury charge
PORTLAND, IN — A Portland woman has been charged with perjury after allegedly making false claims about receiving treatment for cancer. The perjury count against 39-year-old Linda Piercy was filed on Thursday, Sept. 17, in Jay Circuit Court.
Portland woman's claims about cancer treatment lead to perjury charge Original
Sept. 21, 2026, 9:46 a.m. ET At a March sentencing hearing, Piercy reportedly claimed she had stage 4 breast cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. Both the Cleveland Clinic and the medical professional Piercy claimed was her oncologist, who lived in Florida, both said they had no record of treating her. PORTLAND, IN — A Portland woman has been charged with perjury after allegedly making false claims about receiving treatment for cancer.
Indy man found guilty of all counts in Delaware County murder case | Exclusive Original
MUNCIE, IN — After a weeklong trial, an Indianapolis man on Friday, Sept. 18, was found guilty of all counts stemming from the December slaying of a Shelbyville man in Delaware County.
Muncie man accused of sexually abusing pre-teen girl
MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie man has been accused of repeatedly sexually abusing a pre-teen girl. Joshua Michael Kasowski, 34, was being held without bond on Friday, Sept. 18. He was being held on suspicion of three counts of child molesting, a Level 1 felony carrying up to 40 years in prison.
Muncie mother accused of battering Northside students, behavior coach
MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie mother is accused of battering two of her daughter's classmates and a staff member at Northside Middle School. Patrice Nigel Woodard, 31, was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 18, on suspicion of battery and battery on a person less than 14 years old.
Muncie parents formally charged with confinement, neglect
MUNCIE, IN — Two Muncie parents accused of keeping their children locked in bedrooms — which Delaware County sheriff's deputies said had no lighting or beds — have each been charged with seven felony charges.
Indy man admits driving co-defendants but denies role in burning-car death
MUNCIE, IN — After his arrest in December, Randall B. Moon Jr. gave Delaware County sheriff's investigators conflicting accounts of his role in events that led to discovery of a slain Shelbyville man's remains.
Probe leads to Delaware Co. woman's arrest for promoting prostitution
MUNCIE, IN — A Delaware County woman has been accused of offering sex services at a Muncie massage business. Jun Chen, 49, listed at a rural Albany address, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 16, on suspicion of corrupt business influence and promoting prostitution, both Level 5 felonies with maximum six-year prison terms,
New Castle pair face cocaine-dealing charges after task force raid
NEW CASTLE, IN — Two New Castle residents have been charged with dealing in cocaine. The dealing charges — filed in Henry Circuit Court 2 on Tuesday, Sept. 15, against Robert Paul Jones, 29, and Amanda Michelle Perry, 30 — are Level 2 felonies carrying maximum 30-year sentences.
Muncie woman accused of sexually abusing child
MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie woman has been accused of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl. Melissa Camile Smith, 33 — also listed at an address in Bradenburg, Kentucky — was charged on Tuesday, Sept. 16, with child molesting, a Level 4 felony carrying a maximum 12-year prison term.
Bond hearing set for woman charged with killing Lynn town marshal
WINCHESTER, IN — A hearing has been scheduled to determine whether bond will be set for a Randolph County woman charged with murder in the July death of Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher.
Bond hearing set for woman charged with killing Lynn town marshal
Sept. 15, 2026, 2:53 p.m. ET Maci M. Atkinson, 34, of rural Winchester, appeared in Randolph Circuit Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to a murder count and seven other charges stemming from the death of Lynn's town marshal. A witness told Indiana State Police it appeared Atkinson, driving a van stolen from her father, had intentionally run down Lynn Town Marshal Brad Fisher.
Measure would place 'In God We Trust' on Muncie police, fire vehicles | Exclusive
Sept. 15, 2026, 2:38 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — Muncie City Council is considering a measure that would place the phrase "In God We Trust" on the city's police cars and fire trucks. At the council's meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, the idea — proposed by Republican Jeff Green, the council's president — was introduced. A vote on its implementation could come at the council's Oct. 5 meeting.
Measure would place 'In God We Trust' on Muncie police, fire vehicles | Exclusive
MUNCIE, IN — Muncie City Council is considering a measure that would place the phrase "In God We Trust" on the city's police cars and fire trucks. At the council's meeting on Monday, Sept. 14, the idea — proposed by Republican Jeff Green, the council's president — was introduced. A vote on its implementation could come at the council's Oct. 5 meeting.
Muncie teen, Indy man on trial in Delaware County murder cases
Sept. 14, 2026, 4:49 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — Juries were selected on Monday, Sept. 14, for a pair of Delaware Circuit Court murder trials. In Circuit Court 1, Randall B. Moon Jr., 41, of Indianapolis, faces charges stemming from the Dec. 14 slaying of 58-year-old Michael D. Greer of Shelbyville. Greer's body was found in a burning car along Delaware County Road 500 South west of Indiana 3.
Henry County man charged with dealing in meth
NEW CASTLE, IN — A Henry County man has been charged with dealing in meth. The dealing count against 47-year-old Brian Michael Wells of Knightstown — a Level 2 felony with a maximum 30-year sentence — was filed on Thursday, Sept. 10, in Henry Circuit Court 1.
Muncie man arrested after allegedly battering mother, standoff
Sept. 12, 2026, 9:28 p.m. ET MUNCIE, IN — A Muncie man was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 12, after he allegedly battered his mother and then refused to come out of a near-downtown apartment for several hours. Christopher Tyrone Kirkland, 47, was being held without bond in the Delaware County Jail on Saturday evening, on suspicion of intimidation with a deadly weapon, domestic battery on an endangered adult and interference with the reporting of a crime.
Delaware Co. coroners seek help finding deceased Muncie man's mother
Sept. 12, 2026, 3:50 p.m. ET Anyone with information on Tina Allred's whereabouts is asked to call the coroner's office at 765-747-7724. MUNCIE, IN — The Delaware County coroner's office has asked for the public’s help in finding the mother of a Muncie man who died recently. Chief Deputy Coroner Gary Vannatta is looking for Tina Marie Allred, mother of Walter Anson Hughes II, who died at the age of 33 on Sept. 4. Vannatta said efforts to find Allred have been unsuccessful.
UPDATE: Mother of late Muncie man contacts Delaware County coroner's office
EDITOR'S NOTE: Chief Deputy Coroner Gary Vannatta said late Saturday afternoon that Tina Marie Allred, mother of the late Walter Anson Hughes II, had contacted the coroner's office. MUNCIE, IN — The Delaware County coroner's office has asked for the public’s help in finding the mother of a Muncie man who died recently. Chief Deputy Coroner Gary Vannatta is looking for Tina Marie Allred, mother of Walter Anson Hughes II, who died at the age of 33 on Sept. 4.
Woman's body found at scene of Blackford County house fire Original
Sept. 11, 2026, 8:01 p.m. ET "An autopsy will be conducted at (IU Health) Ball Memorial Hospital to assist in confirming identification and determining the cause and manner of death," Blackford County Coroner Zach Crouch said. HARTFORD CITY, IN — A woman's body on Friday, Sept. 11, was found in a Blackford County home that had caught on fire.
Woman's body found at scene of Blackford County house fire
HARTFORD CITY, IN — A woman's body on Friday, Sept. 11, was found in a Blackford County home that had caught on fire. Emergency responders were sent to the house — along County Road 400 West north of County Road 300 South — about 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the body inside the house. According to Blackford County Coroner Zach Crouch, the body is believed to be that of a 65-year-old woman who owns the property.
Winchester man charged, accused of placing meth in wrong mailbox
At the time of his latest arrest, Wyatt already faced a total of three charges — residential entry and two counts of unlawful possession of a syringe — in Randolph Superior Court. WINCHESTER, IN — A Winchester man stands accused of delivering a bag of meth in the wrong mailbox. Clinton D. Wyatt, 53, was charged on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Randolph Superior Court with dealing in meth, possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
Winchester man charged, accused of placing meth in wrong mailbox
WINCHESTER, IN — A Winchester man stands accused of delivering a bag of meth in the wrong mailbox. Clinton D. Wyatt, 53, was charged on Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Randolph Superior Court with dealing in meth, possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
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