NOBLE COUNTY — More than 47 years after the homicide death of Laurel Mitchell in Kosciusko County, Indiana State Police have arrested and charged two men with murder.
On Monday, state police arrested Fred Bandy Jr., 67, of Goshen and John Wayne Lehman 67, of Auburn in connection with her death.
According to a release from state police, Mitchell, then age 17, was left work at the Epworth Forrest Church camp near North Webster Lake and never returned home.
Her body was found the following day, Aug. 7, 1975 in water 17 miles away from North Webster in Noble County.
For five decades investigators were left without an answer for Mitchell’s family
According to ISP, the much-needed break in the investigation came only within the last couple months, after Indiana State Police laboratory personnel were able to make an evidentiary correlation which led investigators to the two suspects.
“This case is a culmination of a decades-long investigation… and science finally gave us the answers we needed. Playing a significant role in charges being filed was the Indiana State Police Laboratory Division. We simply could not have solved this case without them.” Indiana State Police Captain Kevin Smith said. “The news media who gave this case coverage, which kept the public informed over the years and led to many citizens coming forward with valuable information. The public’s willingness to bring forward important information was key to solving this case and I thank them.”
-
Bloomington grant program aiming to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety
The Local Motion Grant Program supports community projects that improve walking and bicycling infrastructure in Bloomington.Events and organizations across Indianapolis honor veterans on Veterans Day
Employees at Volunteers of America put together a special lunch for the veterans they serve. The organization works with homeless vets. They help them find housing, jobs and work on mental health.Man found dead at Planet Fitness in Indianapolis, IMPD investigating
IMPD is investigating after a man's body was found in a Planet Fitness on the south side of Indianapolis.Community, experts concerned after 13-year-old was shot by teen in Greenwood
A 13-year-old boy was critically hurt after being shot in Johnson County over the weekend. Experts are sounding the alarm about the importance of gun safety in your homes.