BOONE COUNTY — A man facing a murder charge in connection with the death of his wife was one of three to win the primary for a township board position during Tuesday's primary in Boone County.
Andrew Wilhoite was charged in March after a detective alleged in court documents he threw a cement flower pot at his wife, Elizabeth Wilhoite, and dumped her in a nearby creek.
Andrew received 60 of the 276 total votes for Republicans for the Clinton Township Board, according to election results from Boone County.
Boone County Clerk Jessica Fouts said he is still on the ballot for the fall at this time, but there is a procedure where he can withdraw.
Fouts said there are three positions on the board. Two other people, Bradley Smith and Michael Young, were also on the ballot.
"Election process dictated that Mr. Wilhoite could not be removed from the May 3rd Primary Election ballot," the Boone County GOP wrote in a Facebook statement. "Since Mr. Wilhoite is awaiting trial and has not been convicted of a felony, he cannot be removed as a candidate by the Republican Party or any other election process."
If convicted of a felony before the November election, he would immediately be disqualified and new ballots would be printed, according to the party.
Indiana Election Division Co-director Brad King tells WRTV he is unaware of any Indiana precedent where an individual ran for an elected office while incarcerated and awaiting trial. There have been instances of candidates who were charged but remained on the ballot, but they were released on bail or on their own recognizance
King says a candidate nominated in the May primary can withdraw for any reason by filing a form with the appropriate office (in this case the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk) no later than noon on July 15, 2022.
"If a candidate is eventually disqualified by a felony conviction, Indiana Code 3-8-7-28 requires the candidate to immediately filed the CAN-24 [form] withdrawal notice even after the noon July 15 deadline," King said in an email.
According to online records from the Boone County Jail, Wilhoite is still being held without bond. A jury trial is still scheduled for Aug. 29, according to online court records.
-
New development highlights revitalization of Westfield's downtown
Westfield is taking its first major step toward revitalizing its downtown with a mixed-use development designed to bring new energy, businesses and residents to the city’s core.
Nutrition Secure Indy launches to support west side families, neighborhoods
Indianapolis families struggling with food insecurity will soon have new support through a year-long initiative designed to improve access to nutritious food and measure the difference it can make.
Fever overcomes Caitlin Clark's absence and 3 season-ending injuries
The Indiana Fever have overcome a barrage of critical injuries to stay in the WNBA playoff hunt. With nine regular season games remaining, the resilient Fever are somehow still in playoff position.
Arrest warrant issued for bouncer accused of stomping on man's head
Police issued an arrest warrant for a bouncer who allegedly stomped on a man's head outside That Place Bar on South Emerson Ave. The victim remains in critical condition.
