May 6, 2026

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Aaron Renzy Gordy v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-2533

Appeal from the Marion Superior Court, Magistrate Judge Peggy R. Hart. Aaron Gordy appeals his conviction, arguing that the trial court erred by merging his convictions instead of vacating them, which he claims violates his rights against double jeopardy. The court held that a double jeopardy violation did not occur, as there were no separate judgments of conviction for the merged counts. The court found that the trial court correctly entered judgment of conviction solely for the Level 3 felony aggravated battery after agreeing with both parties that the other counts would merge. Therefore, the court affirmed Gordy’s conviction. Senior Judge Baker authored the opinion, with Judges Mathias and Felix concurring. Appellant’s attorneys: Talisha R. Griffin, Peter M. Laramore, Marion County Public Defender Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Nicholas A. Blackburn v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-2222

Appeal from the Delaware Circuit Court, Judge John M. Feick. Affirms Blackburn’s conviction for the death of Brittany Wilson’s unborn child. The trial court did not err in admitting blood analysis evidence, as Blackburn consented to the tests after a vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Wilson and her child. The evidence presented was sufficient for a reasonable fact-finder to conclude that Wilson’s child was a viable individual at the time of the incident, with expert testimony indicating a chance of survival. Judge Mathias authored the opinion. Judge Felix concurs. Judge May concurs in part and dissents in part with a separate opinion. May agrees with the majority’s determination regarding the admission of blood analysis evidence, but disagrees that the state presented sufficient evidence to prove Wilson’s fetus was viable at the time of the accident. Appellant’s attorney: Brandon E. Murphy, Cannon Bruns & Murphy, Muncie, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Tanzli Dangerfield v. Davontae Suggs
No. 25A-MI-2105

Appeal from the Elkhart Superior Court, Judge David C. Bonfiglio. After a breakup, Davontae Suggs petitioned for visitation rights with Tanzli Dangerfield’s daughter, despite not being her biological father. The trial court held hearings without formal evidentiary presentations, failed to apply the constitutional presumption favoring parents, and did not allow for cross-examinations or witness testimonies. These procedural irregularities led to a violation of Dangerfield’s due process rights. Consequently, the court reversed the trial’s decision and remanded for a full evidentiary hearing. Judge Weissmann authored the opinion, with Chief Judge Tavitas and Judge Foley concurring. Appellant’s attorneys: Peter L. Tomas Morgan, Indiana Legal Services, South Bend, Indiana; Amy Guillot, Indiana Legal Services, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: George T. Catanzarite, Stipp Law LLC, South Bend, Indiana.

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed by an editor for accuracy.