IN IN - Laurel Mitchell, 17, North Webster, 6 Aug 1975

[twall]

Sister of teen killed in 1975 murder reacts to arrests in cold case

The two men charged in a decades-old cold case murder in Albion stood before a judge for the first time in the case on Wednesday and the sister of the victim is speaking out.

www.21alivenews.com

 

[twall]

'They basically blew up my family': Sister of 1975 drowning victim speaks after arrests

ALBION — There is a strength to Sarah Knisley. Born of flesh and blood, there is oak in her.

www.kpcnews.com

 

[FrostedGlass]

This is the same entry for both men except for the time; Bandy's is set for 1:30 PM.

02/08/2023

Hearing Journal Entry STATE BY JAMES MOWERY. DEFENDANT IN PERSON, IN CUSTODY. PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTED. DEFENDANT TO BE HELD WITHOUT BOND AND TO BE ADDRESSED UPON REQUEST OF COUNSEL. PRE-TRIAL ASSESSMENT TO BE PREPARED. PRE-TRIAL OMNIBUS HRG SET 4-24-23 AT 3:30 P.M. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Noble County Probation Present: Mowery, James Berton Present: Lehman, John Wayne

04/24/2023 = Pretrial Conference
Session: 04/24/2023 3:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[Sonny Crockett]

Though it's appalling that it took so long to find & charge these scum-bags for this horrible crime...there's also a certain sense of satisfaction that they'll hopefully have to live their so-called "golden years" incarcerated.

They shouldn't get any preferential treatment due to being elderly & possibly disabled - they never gave any mercy to their young victim years ago, so don't deserve any now. I hope they rot in prison.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

According to a probable cause affidavit from the Indiana State Police, a missing person report was filed by Laurel Mitchell’s parents, Richard and Wilma, at 4:16 a.m. Aug. 7, 1975, as the 17-year-old had not yet returned home. Later that morning, at 10:30 a.m., Dana Homister called the Ligonier Indiana State Police post to report that a body had been found in the Elkhart River at Mallard Roost, a public access site on C.R. 600 North.

Officers were able to identify the body based on a class ring from the Wawasee High School Class of 1976 with the initials LJM on the inside of the ring. An autopsy confirmed that Mitchell, of North Webster, had died from drowning.

According to the affidavit, Mitchell’s mom Wilma dropped her off at work at Epworth Forest Church Camp. A coworker of hers from the snack bar offered her a ride home, but Mitchell indicated she already had a ride. She left around 10 p.m. Aug. 6, allegedly headed for Adventureland Amusement Park, which was about half a mile from the church camp in North Webster. The probable cause affidavit indicates that Scott Pruitt saw her and that as she was leaving, she told him that she was meeting friends at the amusement park.

1975 cold case sees first day in court

ALBION — A Goshen man and his alleged accomplice in a cold case murder dating back to 1975 appeared in court for an initial hearing Wednesday.

www.cnhinews.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Indiana State Police Capt. Kevin Smith told the AP that investigators determined she drowned, and the autopsy found "signs that she had fought for her life."

More than four decades later, officials obtained search warrants for each of the suspects' homes, even collecting DNA belonging to Lehman, officials said at a news conference, NBC News reported.

2 Men Arrested in 1975 Cold Case Murder of 17-Year-Old Indiana Girl

Police hope the arrests of two men brings "a little peace" to the family of Laurel Mitchell, who was killed more than 47 years ago

people.com

 

[FrostedGlass]

Murder Sheet has a series of 3 podcasts on this case:

Google Podcasts

With Google Podcasts, you can find and listen to the world's podcasts for free.

podcasts.google.com

 

[FrostedGlass]

Murder Sheet has a series of 3 podcasts on this case:

Google Podcasts

With Google Podcasts, you can find and listen to the world's podcasts for free.

podcasts.google.com

MS put up a new podcast today: Beyond the Pillars

 

[FrostedGlass]

Here's a little update on their cases. The "Stipulated manner of discovery" is new to me.

John Lehman 57C01-2302-MR-000001

03/28/2023	Order Granting Motion to Withdraw Appearance PUBLIC DEFENDER AARON STOLL FILES MOTION TO WITHDRAW APPEARANCE. MOTION GRANTED, ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Movant: Stoll, Aaron J Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Stoll, Aaron J Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon
04/24/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 04/24/2023 3:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

Fred Bandy 57C01-2302-MR-000002

03/15/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Pretrial Conference originally scheduled on 04/24/2023 at 1:30 PM was rescheduled to 08/14/2023 at 2:30 PM. Reason: By Request.
03/27/2023	Motion Filed Bandy Discovery Stipulation.pdf Filed By: State of Indiana
03/27/2023	Order Granting STATE OF INDIANA STIPULATED MANNER OF DISCOVERY GRANTED, ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Movant: Mowery, James Berton Movant: Abbs, James Jeffrey Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Abbs, James Jeffrey
03/28/2023	Answer Filed Discovery - Certificate Answer Filed By: State of Indiana
08/14/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 04/24/2023 1:30 PM, Rescheduled Session: 08/14/2023 2:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

John Lehman 57C01-2302-MR-000001 (Nothing new for Bandy 57C01-2302-MR-000002)

03/29/2023	Motion Filed Lehman Stipulated Discovery.pdf Filed By: State of Indiana
03/29/2023	Order Granting STATE'S STIPULATED MANNER OF DISCOVERY FILED. ORDER GRANTING STATE'S STIPULATED MANNER OF DISCOVERY ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Movant: Mowery, James Berton Movant: Arnold, Bart Landon Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon
03/30/2023	Automated ENotice Issued to Parties Order Granting ---- 3/29/2023 : Bart Landon Arnold;James Berton Mowery
03/31/2023	Answer Filed Discovery - Certificate Answer Filed By: State of Indiana
04/03/2023	Appearance Filed Criminal Co-Appearance For Party: Lehman, John Wayne
04/03/2023	Administrative Event CHRIS JANSEN FILES APPEARANCE AS CO-COUNSEL. Filed By: Jansen, Christopher Thomas Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon Noticed: Jansen, Christopher Thomas
04/04/2023	Automated ENotice Issued to Parties Administrative Event ---- 4/3/2023 : Bart Landon Arnold;Christopher Thomas Jansen;James Berton Mowery
04/24/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 04/24/2023 3:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

Update for JL

04/24/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 04/24/2023 3:30 PM, Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Result: Commenced and concluded
04/25/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Pretrial Conference scheduled for 06/26/2023 at 3:00 PM.
05/05/2023	Appearance Filed HLN Appearance as Co-Counsel (HELEN NEWMAN) For Party: Lehman, John Wayne
06/26/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 06/26/2023 3:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

Update for FB

05/15/2023	Motion Filed Discovery Request Language for Biological Testing (Including DNA) Filed By: Bandy, Fred
05/16/2023	Order Granting MOTION FOR REQUEST FOR BIOLOGICAL TESTING FILED WITH THE COURT, COURT GRANTS MOTION, ORDER ENTERED.
08/14/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 04/24/2023 1:30 PM, Rescheduled Session: 08/14/2023 2:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

There is nothing new for Bandy.
Update for Layman = his next pretrial conference.
Mowery is the prosecutor. Arnold, Jansen and Newman are his attys.
57C01-2302-MR-000001

06/26/2023

Hearing Journal Entry STATE BY JIM MOWERY, COUNSEL BART ARNOLD AND CHRIS JANSEN APPEAR, DEFENDANT DOES NOT APPEAR DUE TO MEDICAL. PRETRIAL CONT'D TO 08-28-2023 AT 2:00 P.M. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon Noticed: Jansen, Christopher Thomas Noticed: Newman, Helen Lucille Present: Mowery, James Berton Present: Arnold, Bart Landon Present: Jansen, Christopher Thomas

08/28/2023

Pretrial Conference Session: 08/28/2023 2:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

Update for Lehman. Is it this Christina Reagle, commissioner of IN DoC?

07/14/2023	Administrative Event NC SHERIFF FILES NOTICE PETITIONING THE COURT TO DESIGNATE SUITABLE HOUSING. Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon Noticed: Jansen, Christopher Thomas Noticed: Newman, Helen Lucille
07/17/2023	Hearing Session: 07/17/2023 12:50 PM, Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Result: Commenced and concluded
07/17/2023	Hearing Journal Entry STATE BY JIM MOWERY, DEFENDANT BY COUNSEL BART ARNOLD. HEARING HELD OFF RECORD WITHIN JUDGES CHAMBERS. ORDER ENTERED.
07/18/2023	Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information Notice of Confidential Filing Rule 5 Filed By: State of Indiana
07/18/2023	Motion Filed Nurse Narrative.pdf Filed By: State of Indiana
07/24/2023	Motion Filed Notice to the Court Filed By: State of Indiana
07/26/2023	Order of Rule to Show Cause COURT DIRECTS CLERK OF THE COURT TO ISSUE ORDER OF RULE TO SHOW CAUSE VIA CERTIFIED MAIL TO CHRISTINA REAGLE TO APPEAR FOR A RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING ON 08-24-2023 AT 10:00 A.M. ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J
07/27/2023	Service Issued as directed Issued: 07/27/2023
08/07/2023	Service Returned Served Green Card Returned from Christina Reagle Date Served: 08/04/2023
08/24/2023	Hearing on Motion for Rule to Show Cause Session: 08/24/2023 10:00 AM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR
08/28/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 08/28/2023 2:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

Update for Bandy

07/11/2023	Motion for Continuance Filed Motion for Continuance of Omnibus Hearing Filed By: Bandy, Fred
07/12/2023	Order Granting Motion for Continuance DEFENDANT BY COUNSEL FILES MOTION TO CONTINUE, MOTION GRANTED. COURT CONTINUES PRETRIAL CONFERENCE TO 10-30-2023 AT 2:00 P.M. ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Movant: Abbs, James Jeffrey Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Abbs, James Jeffrey
07/12/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Pretrial Conference originally scheduled on 08/14/2023 at 2:30 PM was rescheduled to 10/30/2023 at 2:00 PM. Reason: By Request.
07/14/2023	Answer Filed Discovery - Supplemental Certificate Filed By: State of Indiana
10/30/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 08/14/2023 2:30 PM, Rescheduled Session: 10/30/2023 2:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

This is for Lehman; there is nothing new for Bandy.

08/21/2023	Appearance Filed Appearance of David J DeBruyn on behalf of Christina Reagle For Party: State of Indiana
08/21/2023	Motion Filed Notice to Court of Compliance and Motion to Vacate Show Cause Hearing Filed By: State of Indiana
08/21/2023	Order Denying Motion to Vacate Hearing DAVID DEBRUYN HAVING FILED APPEARANCE ON BEHALF OF IDOC AND COMMISIONER CHRISTINA REAGLE AND A MOTION TO VACATE HEARING ON RULE TO SHOW CAUSE. COURT GRANTS MOTION AND VACATES RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING SET FOR 08-24-2023. ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon
08/21/2023	Order Granting Motion to Vacate Hearing DAVID DEBRUYN HAVING FILED APPEARANCE ON BEHALF OF IDOC AND COMMISIONER CHRISTINA REAGLE AND MOTION TO VACATE RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING. COURT GRANTS MOTION AND VACATES RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING SET FOR 08-24-2023. ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J
08/21/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Hearing on Motion for Rule to Show Cause scheduled for 08/24/2023 at 10:00 AM was cancelled. Reason: Other.
08/21/2023	Notice Issued to Parties DAVID DEBRUYN HAVING FILED APPEARANCE ON BEHALF OF IDOC AND COMMISIONER CHRISTINA REAGLE AND MOTION TO VACATE RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING. COURT GRANTS MOTION AND VACATES RULE TO SHOW CAUSE HEARING SET FOR 08-24-2023. ORDER ENTERED.
08/21/2023	Administrative Event (HEARING HELD OFF THE RECORD) STATE BY LESLIE HAYNES. DEFENDANT BY BART ARNOLD AND BY AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES NOW CONTINUE PRE-TRIAL. DEFENDANTS COUNSELS TO ADVISE COURT AS TO THE LOCATION OF THE DEFENDANT TO SET UP A ZOOM HRG. PRE-TRIAL IS RESET TO 9-25-23 AT 1:30 P.M. Filed By: State of Indiana Filed By: Arnold, Bart Landon
08/22/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Pretrial Conference originally scheduled on 08/28/2023 at 2:00 PM was rescheduled to 09/25/2023 at 1:30 PM. Reason: By Request.
08/24/2023	CANCELED Hearing on Motion for Rule to Show Cause Reason: Other Session: 08/24/2023 10:00 AM, Cancelled
09/25/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 08/28/2023 2:00 PM, Rescheduled Session: 09/25/2023 1:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR Comment: COUNSEL TO ADVISE DEFENDANT'S LOCATION FOR ZOOM HRG

 

[FrostedGlass]

Murder suspect returns to Noble County Jail — for now

ALBION — An Auburn man charged in the 1975 murder of a North Webster 17-year-old was being returned to the Noble County Jail Thursday afternoon.

www.kpcnews.com

• By MATT GETTS mgetts@kpcmedia.com
  Matt Getts Author email
• Jul 28, 2023

Matt Getts wrote a really good article which answers questions about several of the entries in Lehman's case. He wrote some interesting stuff about the transfer of Lehman to IDOC for safe keeping.
[Snips]
On July 14, Noble County Sheriff Max Weber asked that Lehman be ordered into the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections. Weber’s letter cited medical and safety concerns.

“I see a danger of him being injured by other inmates,” Weber said, contending the nature of his alleged crimes makes him a target. “You just want to make sure he’s safe.”
Medical equipment required to maintain Lehman’s health will necessitate him being in a cell by himself. Weber’s letter said the equipment could pose a danger to others.

On July 17, Noble Circuit Court Judge Michael Kramer issued the order for Lehman to be transported to the custody of the IDOC.
The Indiana Department of Corrections said, “No.”
... Diana Huyvaert said that Lehman does not meet the criteria to be placed in the IDOC while he awaits trial.

 

[FrostedGlass]

Update for Lehman, nothing new for Bandy

09/25/2023	Order Granting Motion for Continuance DEFENDANT BY COUNSEL BART ARNOLD FILES MOTION TO CONTINUE PRETRIAL, MOTION GRANTED. PRETRIAL CONT'D TO 10-23-2023 AT 1:30 P.M. ORDER ENTERED. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J
10/23/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 10/23/2023 1:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR Comment: COUNSEL TO ADVISE DEFENDANT'S LOCATION FOR ZOOM HRG

 

[FrostedGlass]

Just a bump for Lehman's Pretrial Conference today. He has no other dates yet.
Bandy's only date:

10/30/2023

Pretrial Conference Session: 10/30/2023 2:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

10/23/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 10/23/2023 1:30 PM, Judicial Officer: Laur, G. David - SR Comment: COUNSEL TO ADVISE DEFENDANT'S LOCATION FOR ZOOM HRG Result: Commenced and concluded
10/23/2023	Hearing Journal Entry STATE APPEARS IN PERSON, DEFENDANT APPEARS VIA PHONE AND B/C BART ARNOLD. DEFENDANT MOVES TO CONTINUE, PRETRIAL CONT'D TO 11-27-2023 AT 1:30 P.M. Judicial Officer: Laur, G. David - SR Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon Noticed: Jansen, Christopher Thomas Noticed: Newman, Helen Lucille Present: State of Indiana Present: Lehman, John Wayne Present: Arnold, Bart Landon
10/24/2023	Hearing Scheduling Activity Pretrial Conference scheduled for 11/27/2023 at 1:30 PM.
11/27/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 11/27/2023 1:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR Comment: *COUNSEL TO ADVISE IF ZOOM LINK NEEDED.

 

[FrostedGlass]

Lehman's 11/27 date is unchanged; there is a new date for Bandy

09/20/2023	Answer Filed Discovery - Supplemental Certificate Filed By: State of Indiana
10/30/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 10/30/2023 2:00 PM, Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Result: Commenced and concluded
02/05/2024	Pretrial Conference Session: 02/05/2024 2:00 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR

 

[FrostedGlass]

Bandy's date is unchanged.
Update for Lehman

11/27/2023	Pretrial Conference Session: 11/27/2023 1:30 PM, Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Comment: *phone via zoom from Miami Correctional; link forwarded to Karen Arnold. Result: Commenced and concluded
11/27/2023	Hearing Journal Entry STATE BY JAMES MOWERY, DEFENDANT APPEARS BY PHONE FROM IDOC AND B/C BART ARNOLD. DEFENDANT MOVES TO CONTINUE, PRETRIAL CONT'D TO 01-22-2024 AT 1:30 P.M. Judicial Officer: Kramer, Michael J Noticed: Mowery, James Berton Noticed: Arnold, Bart Landon Present: Mowery, James Berton Present: Lehman, John Wayne Present: Arnold, Bart Landon
01/22/2024	Pretrial Conference Session: 01/22/2024 1:30 PM, Judicial Officers: Kramer, Michael J; Laur, G. David - SR Comment: *COUNSEL TO ADVISE OF ZOOM LINK