CASS COUNTY — A judge in Cass County died Monday evening after being pinned underneath a vehicle in a barn.
Cass County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the 8000 block of County Road 500 East just before 8:30 p.m. for a report of a person trapped beneath a vehicle.
Arriving units found Richard Maughmer, 65, pinned beneath a car in a barn on the property. Maghmer, a presiding judge in the Cass County Superior II Court, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Indiana Supreme Court issued the following statement on Judge Maughmer's death.
"Long-time Cass County Judge Richard Maughmer died at his home Monday in a tragic accident. Judge Maughmer was a dedicated public servant who was elected to office in 2001.
Chief Justice Loretta Rush has known Judge Maughmer for over 30 years. She said, 'Judge Maughmer was one of the finest judges that I have ever known. He was a wonderful person, and he served his state and his country well. As Chair of the Judicial Administration Committee, he led the entire judicial branch in a time and efficiency study. He worked with professionalism and enthusiasm to help us consider how to improve the administration of justice. The judicial branch shares in the grief of Judge Maughmer’s family, including his wife Vicki and their children.'"
Some of Judge Maughmer's accomplishments include:
- Completed Judicial College 2008
- Attended Graduate Program for Indiana Judges 2011/12
Committee Service:
- Board of Directors of the Judicial Conference of Indiana (at large member 2016-2018)
- Judicial Administration Committee (appointed 2010, chair since 2013)
- Member of the Ethics & Professionalism Committee (2001-2007)
- Member of the Indiana Judges Association Board of Managers
- Recently appointed to the Indiana Judges Association Civil Instructions Committee
"The Office of Judicial Administration is working with Cass County judges to ensure a pro tem appointment is made so court business continues. Questions about the accident should be directed to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
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