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Indiana Court of Appeals
In re the Supervised Estate of Robert Thompson, Deceased, Tammi Stodghill, Appellant-Respondent v. Bradley Thompson as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Robert Thompson, Appellee-Petitioner
No. 25A-ES-1629

Appeal from the Grant Superior Court, Judge Jason McVicker. The trial court found that Michael Thompson’s transfers of properties from his father Robert’s estate to Tammi Stodghill were fraudulent, aimed at depriving beneficiaries of their rightful shares. Stodghill’s appeals contest the trial court’s findings regarding her absence at the initial hearing, the exclusion of certain evidence, and the refusal to compel a witness to testify. The court affirmed the trial court’s decisions, stating that Stodghill had sufficient opportunity to present her arguments and evidence at a subsequent hearing, and that the trial court appropriately excluded the evidence under governing legal standards. Judge Felix authored the opinion, with Judges May and Mathias concurring. Appellant’s attorney: David M. Payne, Marion, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Paul R. Sadler, Emswiller, Williams, Noland & Clarke LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Indiana Court of Appeals
Michael Turi v. J.R., a Minor b/n/f Stacy Rheinlander
No. 25A-PL-2858

Appeal from the Vanderburgh Superior Court, Judge Jillian Kratochvil. J.R., by next friend Stacy Rheinlander, filed a complaint against Michael Turi, alleging they “suffered substantial and significant injuries” via lead exposure while living at a rental property owned by Turi. Turi failed to answer the complaint and did not appear at a subsequent damages hearing, and the trial court entered a judgment against him in the amount of $500,000. Here, Turi appeals the denial of his motion for relief from judgment, asserting that the trial court abused its discretion in its ruling. The court affirmed the trial court’s decision, concluding that Turi was adequately served and that his reasons for failing to respond did not constitute excusable neglect. On cross-appeal, J.R. sought damages pursuant to Indiana Appellate Rule 66(E), but the court declined to award these, finding the violations by Turi’s counsel did not rise to the level of bad faith required for such sanctions. Judge May authored the opinion, with Judges Mathias and Felix concurring.

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The following opinion was issued on June 9 after The Indiana Lawyer’s deadline.

7th Circuit Court of Appeals
USA v. Frank Washington III
No. 25-2379

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, Hammond Division, Judge James T. Moody. Before Ripple, Kolar and Maldonado. Defendant Frank Washington III appeals his 70-month sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, arguing that the district court did not adequately explain its decision. The court acknowledged Washington’s documented health concerns but failed to provide an individualized assessment of factors related to his sentence duration. As the court’s explanation was insufficient for meaningful appellate review, the panel vacated Washington’s sentence and remanded the case for resentencing. The opinion was authored per curiam.

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