INDIANAPOLIS — One of three men accused in the 2015 killing of Amanda Blackburn, a pastor's pregnant wife, has been sentenced to 86 years in prison.
Larry Jo Taylor was sentenced to 86 years this week after being found guilty of murder, burglary, three counts of theft, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, criminal confinement, auto theft and carrying a handgun without a license.
“Nearly seven years after this tragic and senseless murder, justice has been secured for Amanda,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “I commend the Blackburn family and the community for the tremendous amount of patience and grace they have shown throughout this process. We hope that today’s resolution provides finality to a very difficult chapter.”
On November 10, 2015, police were dispatched to the city’s north side on reports of break-ins in the area. Taylor and two others, identified as Jalen Watson and Diano Gordon, were involved in the string of burglaries. Taylor shot and killed Blackburn while he was burglarizing her home.
In 2017, Jalen Watson pleaded guilty to Burglary and Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and was sentenced to 29 years in prison for his role in the crime.
In 2018, Gordon pleaded guilty to Burglary and Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. In September, Gordon received a 30-year sentence with 25 years in prison for his role in the crime.
-
IFD responds to fire at former Golden Corral on Indy's far east side
Firefighters responded to a fire at a closed Golden Corral near Washington Square mall early Wednesday morning.![IMG-20241028-WA0009[55].jpeg](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8923083/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x1600+0+0/resize/1080x1440!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F87%2Ff3%2F5dbf316b4d53ba96bd9e19efa519%2Fimg-20241028-wa000955.jpeg)
Siblings thank doctors after both recover from life-saving cranial surgery
This November, a Hoosier family is thankful for the doctors who helped both of their kids recover from serious surgery.
IMPD partners with the Indianapolis Colts to help drive recruits
The latest numbers show IMPD is short almost 300 officers. Officials hope working with the Colts will help them score more recruits to serve the city.
Indianapolis organizations give food to families ahead of the holidays
The Bridge Indy gave out turkeys, hams, sides, and seasonings to around 300 families on Tuesday night. They will have four more food giveaways leading up to Thanksgiving.
![IMG-20241028-WA0009[55].jpeg](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7ee6bea/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1200x675+0+421/resize/640x360!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F87%2Ff3%2F5dbf316b4d53ba96bd9e19efa519%2Fimg-20241028-wa000955.jpeg)
