1. Indiana Appeals court Gary man elderly woman death
2. Indiana Appeals court Gary man convictions elderly woman’s death.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In a unanimous 3-0 decision, the Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the convictions of a Gary man in the death of his elderly neighbor in a senior high rise. John Cushionberry Collins, 67, was found guilty of murder in perpetration of a robbery, robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, and burglary. Collins received a 60-year sentence in a split verdict in September 2023.
The victim, 92-year-old Mary Krill, tragically lost her life in March 2022. Her body was discovered days later by the building’s janitor and another resident during a welfare check. The court documents revealed that Krill, who did not have a bank account, kept nearly $3,000 in cash from her Social Security checks in her walker.
Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Conviction
Senior Judge Margret Robb, in an 11-page decision on June 14, dismissed Collins’ appeal, stating that the prosecutors had presented enough circumstantial evidence to support his conviction. The court noted that Collins was seen in close proximity to Krill when she revealed the large sum of money she had stashed in her walker’s compartment.
Additionally, witnesses reported overhearing Collins owing money to someone else shortly after Krill’s death. The court highlighted Collins’ financial struggles and his awareness of Krill’s previous robbery, as factors supporting the prosecution’s case.
Security Footage and Witness Testimony
Security footage from the building appeared to show Collins entering Krill’s apartment and leaving with a large white bag on the day of her disappearance. He was observed locking the door behind him as he exited, returning to his adjacent apartment. Furthermore, a witness informed investigators that Krill kept substantial amounts of money in a pouch in her walker and bedroom drawers, which were missing following her death.
During police interrogation, Collins denied committing the crime himself, instead implicating a “friend” as the perpetrator. He admitted to having a key to Krill’s apartment, citing his assistance with household chores and technical tasks as the reason for his access.
Defence’s Claims and Legal Proceedings
Collins’ legal team, comprising Amanda Hires and Susan Severtson, argued during the trial that Krill, who was described as elderly and a hoarder, may have sustained injuries from a fall in her apartment. However, the court ultimately found him guilty based on the evidence presented.
The incident took place at the Al Thomas Senior High Rise located at 100 W. 11th Ave. in Gary, Indiana. The tragic loss of Mary Krill has left a community in mourning, with justice now served in her memory.
Email: mcolias@post-trib.com
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Indiana Appeals court upholds Gary man’s convictions elderly woman’s death
Indiana Appeals court upholds Gary man’s convictions elderly woman’s passing.
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