The autopsies of the five individuals found dead in Franklin County near Laurel began yesterday at the Institute of Forensic Science in Indianapolis, IN. Four of the autopsies were completed yesterday and the final autopsy was completed today.

Preliminary autopsy results and positive identification of the victims are listed below. Please note that the official cause of death for each person will not be determined until all aspects of the autopsies are completed, which typically takes up to six weeks.

1. Angela A. Napier, female, age 47, Laurel, IN. Preliminary cause of death, gunshot wound to the head area and blunt force trauma to the head area.

2. Jacob L. Napier, male, age 18, Laurel, IN. Preliminary cause of death, gunshot wound to the head area.

3. Roy D. Napier, male, age 50, Laurel, IN. Preliminary cause of death, gunshot wound to the head area.

4. Melissa L. Napier, female, age 23, Laurel, IN. Preliminary cause of death, gunshot wound to the head area.

5. Henry X. Smith, male, age 43, Laurel, IN. Preliminary cause of death, gunshot wound to the chest area and possible blunt force trauma to the head area.

At this time we are officially calling this investigation a Murder investigation as information gained from the autopsies leads investigators to believe the person or persons responsible for these murders was not among the deceased.

We are continuing to follow numerous tips and leads and we are encouraging the public to continue contacting us with those tips and leads. There are no suspects or persons of interest in this case at this time.

At approximately 1:23 PM on 9-25-2011, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department received a call from people traveling near the address of 24015 Stipps Hill Road, near Laurel, stating they saw a small child wondering around in the roadway. A deputy arrived and began talking to the small child and other neighbors in the area. After gaining more information he called for backup from other officers.

When the officers arrived an immediate search of the area began and officers located the body of a dead male at the address of 24030 Stipps Hill Road. The bodies of four other people, 2 males and 2 females, were located at 24015 Stipps Hill Road. (These two addresses are across the road from each other in rural Franklin County).

Police would like to caution neighbors to be careful answering their doors and to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1 as investigators work to piece together what happened.

If anyone knows anything about this crime they are encouraged to contact detectives at the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles at 812-689-5000 or inside of Indiana at 1-800-566-6704. Callers can remain anonymous.

After more than 10 years of serving as president of the Pekin Community Betterment Organization, Rhonda Burnett has decided to turn the reigns of the group over to Anita Temple.
Burnett made the announcement at the groups September meeting.