Indianapolis man sentenced in 2020 murder of transgender woman

Author: WTHR.com staff

According to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, 39-year-old Sara Blackwood was walking home from work on the city’s near east side when she was shot and killed.

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 55 years for the murder of a transgender woman in October 2020 on the city’s near east side.

According to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, 39-year-old Sara Blackwood was walking home from work on Oct. 11, 2020, in the 2600 block of East Washington Street, near North Rural Street, when she was shot and killed. She was taken to the hospital but died from her injuries.

Investigators identified Johnny Viverette as a suspect based on video footage from nearby businesses. IMPD arrested Viverette less than one month after the shooting.

After pleading guilty to murder, Viverette received a 55-year sentence with 45 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by two years of probation.

“Sara Blackwood’s life was tragically cut short while simply walking home from work. She was beloved by coworkers and friends for her thoughtful and curious spirit,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “We hope that this resolution brings closure to Sara Blackwood’s family, friends and all those affected by her death.”

People experiencing fear, trauma and other concerns as a result of this incident are encouraged to seek assistance.

In Indianapolis, Gender Nexus and Indiana Youth Group, for people 21 and under, provide support services to the local community.

For immediate assistance, the national 24/7 hotlines are available through the Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) and the Trevor Lifeline for people 25 years old and under (1-866-488-7386 or text the word START to 678678).

Reference: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/indianapolis-man-sentenced-55-years-murder-transgender-woman-sara-blackwood/531-60bf7375-1957-441b-ac38-f228d91562e7

Continue ReadingIndianapolis man sentenced in 2020 murder of transgender woman

Court documents allege murder victim suffered brutal beating

Wave 3 News
By Janelle MacDonald

(CROTHERSVILLE, Ind.) — Three suspects in the murder of 35-year-old Aaron Hall made their first appearance in court late Tuesday. As WAVE 3 Investigator Janelle MacDonald reports, according to court documents, it was a night of drinking whiskey and beer that went horribly wrong.

Three people are charged in connection with Hall’s brutal beating death: 19-year-old Garrett Gray and 18-year-old Coleman king face murder charges; 21-year-old Robert James (“Jamie”) Hendricks has been charged with assisting a criminal.

At first, police didn’t know the motive for the crime, but now Jackson County Sheriff’s Detective Robert Henley says the suspects have told police that the victim, Aaron Hall, made an obscene motion and homosexual suggestion to King.

At that point, King allegedly “went crazy on Hall,” beating him with his fists.

Investigators say Gray joined in, and both men beat Hall with their fists; and at one point detectives say King even removed his boot and used that to hit Hall. The beating allegedly continued for several hours, though court documents say the men paused to photograph themselves with their arms around Hall’s beaten body.

According to the affidavit filed by prosecutors, King and Gray, along with the third suspect, Hendricks, then dragged Hall out of the house by his feet, with his head hitting the stairs, and dumped him in a ditch.

Detective Henley says Gray told investigators “he thought (Hall) was still alive at this point, but his breathing was very labored.”

According to investigators, days later, King, Gray and Hendricks retrieved Hall’s body from the ditch and hid it in Gray’s garage behind some cabinets.

Continue ReadingCourt documents allege murder victim suffered brutal beating

Charges filed in murder of transgender woman on Indy’s near east side

Author: WTHR.com staff

Sara Blackwood, 39, was found shot off of East Washington Street near North Rural Street in October.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Prosecutor is charging 32-year-old Johnny Viverette Jr. in the murder of a transgender woman on Oct. 11 on the near east side.

Sara Blackwood, 39, was found shot off of East Washington Street near North Rural Street in October. She was rushed to the hospital, but she later died.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office said Blackwood was walking home from work when she was shot and killed. A purse, phone and other belongings were not found where she was shot.

Investigators were able to identify Viverette as a suspect based on video footage from nearby businesses. Viverette was arrested Nov. 20 by IMPD.

“We will carefully examine any evidence that may suggest the possibility that this is bias motivated,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “Our office is sensitive to the discrimination that often targets members of the LGBTQ+ community, and we will continue to seek justice on behalf of all Hoosiers.”

Viverette has been charged with murder, felony murder, robbery and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Anyone with information about this incident should call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 or (TIPS).


Reference: https://www.wthr.com/article/news/crime/arrest-made-in-murder-of-woman-on-indys-near-east-side/531-748d2215-f333-484d-965e-1c58b8c72459

Continue ReadingCharges filed in murder of transgender woman on Indy’s near east side