Sylvia Likens (Part 1)

The Indianapolis Police Department’s Chief of Homicide called it “the most sadistic act I ever came across,” and today the murder of Sylvia Likens is still considered to be one of the most terrible crimes to occur in Indiana, even after half a century has passed.

On October 26th, 1965, Police arrived at 3820 East New York Street and found the body of Sylvia Likens in the basement. She was sprawled on a filthy mattress with cuts, bruises, and burns covering most of her body, and it was apparent to the police that something horrendous has happened within the house. Continue reading

John Doe U-013423274 (Spotlight on John Does #1)

Late in 1996, a man in his late thirties to early forties packed a yellow plastic flashlight and bottle of run in a black duffle bag. He traveled to Harvey Road, near Colonial Hill apartments and walked until he found the spot that he wanted. Sitting with his back against a tree, he pulled out a gun, placed it against his left eye and pulled the trigger.  Continue reading

The Lady of Crescent Lake

On a summer morning in July 1940, two fishermen were enjoying their time out on the lake when they spotted something floating in the water not too far from where they were. Curious, the two made their way over to the object, and as they drew closer, they were able to see exactly what it was.

It was a body, wrapped in blankets and hogtied with a heavy rope. Continue reading