INDIANAPOLIS — One of three men accused in the 2015 killing of Amanda Blackburn, a pastor's pregnant wife, has been convicted of murder.
Marion Superior Court Judge Grant Hawkins found Larry Jo Taylor guilty of two counts of murder but not guilty of a third in the death of Amanda Blackburn after a four-day bench trial. Taylor was also acquitted of a robbery charge, but found guilty on other charges, including:
- Burglary
- Theft where value of property is between $750 and $50k — three counts
- Robbery resulting in serious bodily injuring
- Criminal confinement
- Burglary of a dwelling — two counts
- Auto theft
- Carrying a handgun without a license
“We are pleased with today’s verdict and that we are finally able to bring justice for Amanda and her family," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in an emailed statement. "It has taken a tremendous amount of patience and grace to get to this moment. This case would not have been possible without cooperation from the community and their continued support over the past several years."
Taylor is one of three people accused of Blackburn's murder.
Hawkins twice declared a mistrial in the case. The first happened in December 2021 during jury selection after some of the jurors told the judge they had information about the case and victim "that could have tainted their decision."
Taylor was charged with murder, burglary, theft, robbery, criminal confinement and other crimes in the Nov. 10, 2015, shooting that killed Blackburn, 28, who was 12 weeks pregnant at the time.
A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Oct. 14.
WRTV Reporter Vic Ryckaert contributed to this report.
-
Indiana State Police ramp up distracted driving and speeding patrols
The hands-free law passed in 2020 and prohibits drivers from holding or using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, while behind the wheel.
Leadership Brownsburg Academy gives residents an in-depth look at their hometown
Leadership Brownsburg Academy is a free eight-session seminar designed for residents ready to take the next step in being community leaders and improving quality of life.
Retirement concerns rise amid economic uncertainty
The economy remains a pressing concern for many Americans, especially as significant drops in retirement accounts have become commonplace.
Marian University will start work to restore historic VA hospital this year
The former VA hospital on Cold Spring Road is starting to show its age after it emptied out in 2019. Nearby Marian University is about ready to rehabilitate the historic fixer-upper.
