News and HeadlinesIndianapolis Local NewsCrime

Actions

Man sentenced over 50 years for multiple violent attacks on Monument Circle

Posted
and last updated

INDIANAPOLIS — On Friday Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry announced that the man responsible for three attacks on Monument Circle in 2017 was sentenced to 53 and a half years. One of the three violent attacks resulted in the death of an Indianapolis man.

Jonathan Belcher approached three different individuals on the evening of Oct. 19, 2017. Belcher approached the first victim on the northeast side of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument and asked, according to the victim, what she was doing there. Belcher proceeded to strike her in the face and kick her repeatedly while she was on the ground. The first victim suffered facial trauma and was transported to the hospital.

Later, Belcher approached David Smith and his friend who were walking near the monument. Belcher struck Smith in the face. Smith hit the concrete pavement and subsequently suffered severe brain trauma. Belcher also struck Smith's friend before arrested by law enforcement.

As a result of his injuries sustained in the assault, Smith died in May 2018.

Belcher was found guilty in February. He was also found mentally ill and was charged with two counts of Aggravated Battery, one count Battery and one count Resisting Law Enforcement. Belcher was also convicted of the Habitual Offender Enhancement, which increased his sentence by 20 years.

Belcher was ordered to serve his sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction where he will receive mental health treatment.