INDIANAPOLIS — The third suspect charged in the 2015 death of Amanda Blackburn reached a plea deal on Monday.
Diano Gordon pled guilty by agreement to robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and was ordered to serve a 30-year sentence for his role in the fatal robbery of Amanda Blackburn.
He'll serve 25 years in prison with five years of his sentence suspended, according to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.
According to online court records, two murder counts, a burglary count, a theft count and a habitual offender county were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Earlier this month, Larry Jo Taylor was found guilty of two counts of murder but not guilty of a third in Blackburn's death after a bench trial.
Blackburn was 28-years-old and pregnant when she was killed in the Nov. 10, 2015, shooting.
Gordon, Taylor, and a third suspect, Jalen Watson, were accused of entering Blackburn's house on Sunnyfield Court sometime between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. on the morning of Nov. 10, 2015. According to police, the men assaulted her and then shot her in the head.
Watson pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of burglary in 2017. On March 12, 2021, Marion Superior Court Judge Grant Hawkins sentenced Watson to 29 years in prison. Hawkins noted in the order that he will consider reducing the sentence after Watson cooperates with prosecutors and if he stays on good behavior in prison.
Under terms of the plea agreement, records show prosecutors dismissed murder, burglary, theft and auto theft charges against Watson.
-
Biden administration issues rule blocking medical debt from credit reports
A new rule being implemented by the White House will eliminate medical debt from appearing on 15 million Americans' credit reports.Central Indiana food pantries meet needs during winter months
Below-freezing temperatures are expected to stay here in Central Indiana throughout the rest of the week. This winter weather can be potentially dangerous for those facing food insecurity.Indianapolis Colts part ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley
Bradley spent the last three seasons as the Colts’ defensive coordinator. The team did not say who would be taking over the position for the 2025-26 season.Indy DPW's plan of action to tackle snowy residential roads
As main thoroughfares and roads are looking better Monday night, residential streets have a long way to go before the snow is cleared.