Indiana State Police statement on five bodies found
Five Dead in Rural Franklin County
Franklin County - At approximately 1:23 PM on todays date, the Franklin County Sheriffs Department received a call from people traveling near the address of 24015 Stipps Hill Road, near Laurel, stating they saw a small child wondering around in the roadway.
The good Samaritans did not see any adults with the child so they stopped and stayed with the child until the police arrived. A deputy arrived and began talking to the small child and other neighbors in the area. After gaining more information he called for backup from other officers.
Troopers from the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles and an Indiana Conservation Officer arrived. When the officers arrived an immediate search of the area began and officers located the body of a dead male at the address of 24030 Stipps Hill Road. The bodies of four other people, 2 males and 2 females, were located at 24015 Stipps Hill Road. (These two addresses are across the road from each other in rural Franklin County).
At this time Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators, detectives from the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles and officers from the Franklin County Sheriffs Department are still trying to determine exactly what happened. It is unknown if there is one or multiple shooters. It is also unknown at this time if the shooter or shooters could be among the deceased.
No information about the deceased will be released until autopsies are performed and all family members are notified. The autopsies will be performed tomorrow morning in Indianapolis, IN.
Police would like to caution neighbors to be careful answering their doors and to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1 as investigators work to piece together what happened.
If anyone knows anything about this crime they are encouraged to contact detectives at the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles at 812-689-5000 or inside of Indiana at 1-800-566-6704. Callers can remain anonymous.
Assisting Agencies; The Franklin County Coroners Office, Metamora Fire Department, Franklin County EMS and Rescue 24.
-UPDATE-
The autopsies of the five individuals found dead in Franklin County near Laurel, Indiana began today at the Institute of Forensic. Four of the autopsies were completed and the fifth will take place tomorrow morning.
The Indiana State Police is still working to ensure all next of kin are notified before any information can be released.
It appears that some of the victims have sustained gunshot wounds. The crime scene will be secured until the autopsies are completed.
There is no suspect or person of interest at this time.
Detectives have been investigating the case without rest for the last 30 or more hours. We are asking the public to come forward with any information.
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GOODIN
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