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.”
-
No. 13 Hoosiers beat Spartans 47-10 for first 9-0 start in program history
Kurtis Rourke threw for 263 yards and four touchdowns Saturday to lead No. 13 Indiana to a 47-10 victory over Michigan State and its first 9-0 start in school history.
IMPD announces updates to outbound traffic pattern for Eras Tour night 2
IMPD has announced updates to the outbound traffic pattern for night 2 of the Eras Tour in an effort to improve traffic.
Delphi Murders Trial: Day 14 | Jurors react to videos of Allen in prison
On day 14 of the Delphi Murders trial, the defense played ten videos taken of Richard Allen in prison between April and May 2023. No one in the audience, except for the jury, was allowed to watch.
'The Era' of local businesses in Indianapolis
Night One of the Eras Tour brought thousands of Swifities to Indy on Friday, and local businesses were just excited as fans to welcome all the hype to the Circle City.
