INDIANAPOLIS — One of three men accused in the 2015 killing of Amanda Blackburn, a pastor's pregnant wife, has been convicted of murder.
Marion Superior Court Judge Grant Hawkins found Larry Jo Taylor guilty of two counts of murder but not guilty of a third in the death of Amanda Blackburn after a four-day bench trial. Taylor was also acquitted of a robbery charge, but found guilty on other charges, including:
- Burglary
- Theft where value of property is between $750 and $50k — three counts
- Robbery resulting in serious bodily injuring
- Criminal confinement
- Burglary of a dwelling — two counts
- Auto theft
- Carrying a handgun without a license
“We are pleased with today’s verdict and that we are finally able to bring justice for Amanda and her family," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in an emailed statement. "It has taken a tremendous amount of patience and grace to get to this moment. This case would not have been possible without cooperation from the community and their continued support over the past several years."
Taylor is one of three people accused of Blackburn's murder.
Hawkins twice declared a mistrial in the case. The first happened in December 2021 during jury selection after some of the jurors told the judge they had information about the case and victim "that could have tainted their decision."
Taylor was charged with murder, burglary, theft, robbery, criminal confinement and other crimes in the Nov. 10, 2015, shooting that killed Blackburn, 28, who was 12 weeks pregnant at the time.
A sentencing hearing was scheduled for Oct. 14.
WRTV Reporter Vic Ryckaert contributed to this report.
-
Comedian and Indianapolis native Mike Epps opens boxing gym on north side
Actor and comedian Mike Epps is opening a new boxing gym on the north side of Indianapolis. The Right Jab Boxing Gym is on Sutherland Avenue near 38th Street and East Fall Creek Parkway North Drive.
New Teachers' Treasures location to open on campus of North Central H.S.
A new Teachers' Treasures location will open on the campus of North Central High School in April, providing educators with access to free classroom supplies without spending their own money.
Ice jams and muddy fields: The impact of melting ice and snow in Indiana
A lot of snow and ice has melted across Central Indiana this week. Beyond the impact of feeling more like spring, this melting has impacts on Indiana waterways and farm fields.
Man allegedly caught twice on the same day stealing catalytic converters
A man was caught red-handed stealing catalytic converters from cars in an east Indianapolis lot, and police say he came back for more on the same day.
