BOONE COUNTY — The husband of a Lebanon woman reported missing has been arrested and preliminarily charged with her murder after her body was found in a creek early Saturday morning.
The Boone County Sheriff's Office says Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite, 41, was reported missing Friday after a coworker called deputies and said she didn't show up to work.
K-9 bloodhounds and deputies searched for several hours but Wilhoite was not found.
Indiana State Police joined the investigation due to a potential conflict of interest between the suspect and a county elected official.
"To avoid any conflict of interest, it was decided to contact the Indiana State Police and ask them to lead the investigation and we would assist them. This is another prime example of working with our law enforcement partners to solve a horrendous crime," Sheriff Mike Nielsen said in a news release. "Please keep all families and first responders in your thoughts and prayers.”
ISP Captain and Chief Public Information Officer Ron Galaviz says during an argument, Wilhoite's husband allegedly struck her in the head with a blunt object, causing her to lose consciousness. The husband then placed her into a vehicle and drove to a nearby creek where he dumped her body.
Wilhoite was found partially submerged in the water around 3 a.m. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause and manner of her death.
"[It's] a very difficult situation," Galaviz said. "I can't even begin to imagine, I can't speak for [the family], but I can't imagine the level of grief they're feeling right now."
Her husband was arrested but WRTV is not naming him because formal charges have not been filed. Any charges will be determined by the Boone County Prosecutor's Office.
"Although this may be a resolution to a degree for an investigation, it's just the beginning of a journey for that family, their friends and their community at large," Galaviz said.
The BCSO says the investigation is ongoing.
WRTV Reporters Kayla Molander and Nikki DeMentri contributed to this report.
-
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis expansion set to open Spring 2026
Big changes are coming to the near south side of Indianapolis in the new year. The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) expansion is set to open May 1, 2026.
State lawmakers consider bill proposing death by firing squad
Republican Senator Mike Young of Indianapolis authored the bill, which would be an alternative to the use of lethal injection, a method that resumed last year in Indiana.
Andrew Nembhard sparks the Pacers to a 116-105 victory over the Kings
Andrew Nembhard had 28 points and a season-high 12 assists, and helped Indiana regain control in the fourth quarter as the Pacers beat the Sacramento Kings 116-105 on Monday night.
Indiana's Mendoza named Heisman finalist
Mendoza is the seventh Indiana player to earn a top-10 finish and it marks another first in program history — having back-to-back players in the top 10.
