April 30, 2026

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Barry D’Marlo Billingsley v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-1654

Appeal from the Lake Superior Court, Judge Gina L. Jones. The court affirmed Billingsley’s conviction for murder and the trial court’s denial of his motion for dismissal based on the claim of a violation of Indiana Criminal Rule 4(C). The court concluded that Billingsley did not preserve his right to challenge the trial court’s designation of delays as attributable to him, as he failed to timely object pursuant to the requirements of Criminal Rule 4.1(A)(4). Additionally, the court found no abuse of discretion in the admission of evidence, including surveillance videos and evidence relating to cash and Billingsley’s refusal to provide a buccal swab, determining that any alleged error did not undermine confidence in the jury’s verdict. Judge Mathias authored the opinion; Judges May and Felix concurred. Appellant’s attorney: R. Brian Woodward, Office of the Lake County Public Defender, Crown Point, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Deitra Mangrum and Randy Mangrum v. Randi Mangrum and Bryce Walker
No. 25A-MI-2003

Appeal from the Lake Circuit Court, Judge Marissa J. McDermott. Deitra and Randy Mangrum (“Grandparents”) appeal the trial court’s termination of a grandparent visitation order. The court determined that the grandparents waived the issue of a change of judge but agreed that the trial court abused its discretion by terminating the visitation order. The court found that the reasons presented by Mother did not constitute valid grounds for such termination, especially considering the grandparents’ previous compliance and the benefits to the grandchildren in maintaining contact with them. The court reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded for further proceedings. Chief Judge Tavitas authored the opinion, with Judge Weissmann concurring and Judge Foley concurring in part and dissenting in part. Foley wrote that the court generally grants substantial deference to the trial court in family matters, and therefore the trial court’s order for the termination of grandparent visitation should be affirmed. Appellants’ attorney: Robert A. Plantz, Robert A. Plantz & Associates, Merrillville, Indiana. Appellees appeared pro se.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Travis D. Morris v. Jacquese White
No. 25A-JP-2039

Appeal from the Lake Superior Court, Magistrate Judge Aimee Talian. Court finds that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by awarding sole legal custody to Mother and denying Father’s requests to modify parenting time and child support. The court found that a history of domestic violence, difficulties in co-parenting, and Mother’s ability to provide a stable environment for the children justified the custody decision. The evidence indicated that Father failed to demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances to merit the modification of parenting time and did not provide sufficient evidence to support a reduction in his child support obligation. Judge Kenworthy authored the opinion, with Judges Bradford and Pyle concurring. Appellant appeared pro se. Appellee’s attorney: Andrew P. Martin, Miller, Sachs & Hess, P.C. Crown Point, Indiana.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Bradley W. Hobbs v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-2343

Appeal from the Decatur Superior Court, Judge Matthew D. Bailey. Hobbs appealed his conviction for leaving the scene of an accident, arguing insufficient evidence supported his conviction. The court examined whether Hobbs failed to provide his identification, reasonable assistance to the injured party, and notify authorities, all of which are required by Indiana law. The court found ample evidence showing Hobbs left the scene without fulfilling any of these duties, affirming the conviction. Judge DeBoer authored the opinion, with Judges Altice and Kenworthy concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Amanda O. Blackketter, Blackketter Law, LLC, Shelbyville, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Paul R. Solt, Jr. v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-2484

Appeal from the Brown Circuit Court, Judge Mary Wertz. Solt appeals his conviction of Level 5 felony child solicitation, arguing insufficient evidence was presented to sustain the conviction and disprove his entrapment defense. The court concluded the evidence was sufficient, relying on Solt’s own messages and admissions indicating he believed he was arranging to meet a 15-year-old for sex. The court found that the State successfully demonstrated the absence of police inducement, affirming the trial court’s judgment. Senior Judge Robb authored the opinion, with Judges Kenworthy and Felix concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Tyler D. Helmond, Voyles Vaiana Lukemeyer Baldwin & Webb, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Chasity M. Turpen, v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-3024

Appeal from the Lawrence Superior Court, Pro Tem Judge Robert R. Cline. Chasity M. Turpen appeals the trial court’s order of restitution, which the court reversed. Turpen contended that she did not plead guilty to the criminal mischief charge, thus there was no factual basis for a restitution order regarding that allegation. The court agreed with Turpen, concluding that the plea agreement did not constitute an agreement for restitution for actions related to the dismissed charge. Judge Brown authored the opinion, with Judges Altice and DeBoer concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Nicholas J. Moll, Lawrence County Public Defender Agency, Bedford, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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