Five Killed in Indiana: Are the Deaths Meth Related?
Residents questions leads in the 5 count murder that happened Sunday
Residents in Franklin County near Laurel, Indiana, are angry with the lack of information coming from police after five murders were committed in their neighborhood on Sunday.
Five bodies were found in two homes after drivers on the highway reported a young child roaming the street alone. Police have yet to announce how the child relates to the murders.
Indiana police confirmed this afternoon that autopsy reports show at least two of the victims died of fatal gunshot wounds.
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Although the police department claims they have provided ample cautionary advice to this sparsely populated area of Southeast Indiana, residents feel differently.
“They should remain vigilant,” reported Indiana Sgt. Jerry Goodin, urging residents to lock their doors and report any suspicious behavior to 911.
“[Deputies] 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,” Goodin announced.
The main worry among residents is that the gunman has not been identified. Police are unsure if the gunman was one of the dead victims found in the homes, or if he is among the living.
“You'd think they'd send a detective around knocking on doors, but he didn't come here," said John Hammons, a resident on the street where the murders occurred.
Residents are especially irked because the neighborhood is located in such a densely forested area, which serves as an easy hiding spot for potential murderers.
Also, the area depends highly on cattle farms. The increased number of reporters and vehicles in the neighborhood has been disturbing the livestock.
Ultimately, residents remain in the dark concerning advancements on the case; gossip has become the main vehicle behind information regarding the murder.
Accounts vary concerning who died on the sleepy neighborhood street. One woman told ABC News it was her nephew, while Hammons claims it was his 50-year-old neighbor, the neighbor’s wife, and his daughter.
The police department claims it is too early in the investigation to begin identifying suspects, although they have two potential leads.
Franklin County is known for its series of meth lab busts. In 2009, Franklin County alone made five busts in one day. Many busted homes contained explosives; one home had ten guns.
Officers have not ruled drugs out as a possible lead.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s department will release more information regarding the murders this evening in a formal press release.
