Suspects Plead 'Not Guilty' in Murder of Pastors Wife
Share This article
Two men charged in the murder of a pastor's pregnant wife in Indianapolis were brought to court Tuesday.
The judge entered "not guilty" pleas for the two suspects, 18-year-old Larry Taylor Jr. and 21-year-old Jalen Watson, who said little during the hearing.
Indiana authorities have charged the two young men with the murder of Amanda Blackburn.
The young mother and her unborn daughter were killed during a home invasion and robbery, while her 15-month-old son was upstairs in a crib.
The criminals gained access to the house after 6 a.m. on Nov. 10, after Pastor Davey Blackburn left the couple's Indianapolis home without locking the front door.
Indianapolis police say Taylor shot Amanda Blackburn three times, including once in the back of the head.
They have also charged Watson and another young man with using her ATM card to steal cash.
Indianapolis police say a trio of suspects committed three burglaries in the neighborhood that morning, in addition to killing Amanda Blackburn.
Police say they have been able to use DNA and cell phone technology to tie the men to the crimes.
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said this week it was not clear whether Blackburn, who was 13 weeks pregnant, had been sexually assaulted; she was found partially nude.
Prosecutors have filed a request with the court that seeks to enhance the murder charge Taylor faces, citing that she was pregnant at the time of her killing.
Under that request by the state, an additional six to 20 years could be added to Taylor's sentence if he is convicted or pleads guilty to the murder charge, and the jury or judge finds that prosecutors have proven that Taylor caused the termination of her pregnancy.
Curry said his office would review whether it might also seek the death penalty against Taylor.
Share This article