FORT WAYNE — The alleged suspect in a quadruple homicide investigation out of Fort Wayne had a warrant issued for his escape from Tippecanoe County Community Corrections in April.
According to Tippecanoe County Community Corrections, Cohen Bennet Hancz-Barron, 21, escaped from its supervision on April 19.
In a release to WRTV, Tippecanoe County states it immediately notified Starke County of the 21-year-old's escape. Four days later, on April 23, according to Tippecanoe County, Starke County issued the escape warrant for Hancz-Barron.
The Fort Wayne Police Department sought Hancz-Barron for his alleged connection to the death of three children and a woman on Wednesday.
Police responded to the 2900 Block of Gay St. at 10:45 a.m. and found the four victims slain in what FWPD Sgt. Jeremy Webb described as a "gruesome" scene.
The victims have been identified by the coroner’s office as Sarah Zent, 26, Carter Zent, 5, Ashton Zent, 3 and Aubree Zent, 2. The coroner's office said Sarah died of strangulation and multiple stab wounds and the children died of stab wounds.
Court documents say Hancz-Barron was found in Lafayette, more than 100 miles away, with a knife and a Visa card with Sarah Zent’s name on it.
Police said Hancz-Barron had scratches on his neck and jaw.
Tippecanoe County Community Corrections released the following statement in relation to the homicide investigation:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and all those effected by this senseless tragedy and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies in this investigation.
Tippecanoe County adds that Hancz-Barron was on electronic monitoring while living at Home of Hope in Lafayette until his escape.
PREVIOUS | Police arrest suspect after 3 young children, woman found dead in Fort Wayne |
