Court opinions

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Clifford Vance v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-1741

Appeal from the Clark Circuit Court, Judge Bradley Jacobs. Clifford Vance appealed his convictions for drug-related offenses, arguing that the officers’ entry into and search of his motel room violated his rights under Article 1, Section 11 of the Indiana Constitution. The Court agreed, emphasizing that the officers’ degree of concern was low, the intrusion was moderate to high, and the law enforcement need was modest. The Court found that the State failed to demonstrate the reasonableness of the search, concluding that the trial court erred in admitting the evidence found, and ultimately reversed Vance’s convictions. Judge Vaidik authored the opinion, with Judge DeBoer concurring and Chief Judge Tavitas concurring in result with a separate opinion. Appellant’s attorney: Matthew J. McGovern, Fishers, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Court of Appeals of Indiana
Town of Macy, Indiana, Appellant-Plaintiff v. Nyona South Mud Lake Conservancy District, Appellee-Defendant
No. 25A-PL-2583

Appeal from the Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller. Finds the trial court erred by sua sponte ordering the parties to arbitration regarding their wastewater treatment agreement. The Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s order and remanded with instructions, emphasizing that both parties had waived their right to enforce the Arbitration Provision by choosing to litigate in a trial court. Judge Felix authored the opinion, with Judges May and Mathias concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Bryce Runkle, Peru, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Joseph W. Eddingfield, Wabash, Indiana.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Betty A. Leon, Appellant-Defendant v. State of Indiana, Appellee-Plaintiff
No. 25A-CR-2182

Appeal from the Huntington Superior Court, Judge Jennifer E. Newton. Betty A. Leon appeals her convictions for several drug-related charges, including Level 2 felony dealing in methamphetamine. The court reverses her conviction for Level 6 felony unlawful possession or use of a legend drug due to insufficient evidence that the pill in question was Cyclobenzaprine. However, the court affirms her 26-year sentence, determining it is not inappropriate given the nature of her offenses, including the large quantity of methamphetamine possessed and her extensive criminal history. Judge May authored the opinion, with Judges Mathias and Felix concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Cara Schaefer Wieneke, Wieneke Law Office, LLC, Brooklyn, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Indiana Supreme Court
Carlos T. Ortiz v. State of Indiana
No. 25S-CR-303

Appeal from the Elkhart Circuit Court, Judge Michael A. Christofeno. Carlos T. Ortiz sought to bring a belated appeal after pleading guilty to murder, arguing that an improper aggravator was used during sentencing. The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the trial court’s dismissal of Ortiz’s petition for belated appeal, ruling that he was not an “eligible defendant” because he waived his right to appeal under the plea agreement and did not assert that his sentence was illegal as defined in prior case law. The dismissal was modified to be without prejudice. Justice Slaughter authored the opinion, with Chief Justice Rush and Justices Massa and Molter concurring, while Justice Goff concurred with a separate opinion. Attorneys for appellant: Amy E. Karozos, public defender; Archer “Randy” Rose Jr. and Emily L. Hopp, deputy state public defenders. Appellee’s attorneys: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Brittney Keisler, Individually and as Natural Parent and Next Friend of Lilee Keisler, Deceased v. Indiana Department of Insurance Patient’s Compensation Fund c/o Holly W. Lambert, Commissioner
No. 25A-CT-2034

Appeal from the Marion Superior Court, Judge Timothy W. Oakes. Affirms the trial court’s denial of Brittney Keisler’s motion for summary judgment. Keisler sought excess compensation from the Indiana Department of Insurance Patient’s Compensation Fund after settling a wrongful death claim for her daughter Lilee’s death due to alleged medical malpractice. Keisler argued that her emotional distress claim was separate; however, the court ruled that her emotional distress arose from Lilee’s death and thus was not distinct. The ruling followed precedent indicating that damages from malpractice are capped based on the actual victims, reaffirming that Keisler’s recovery is limited to one statutory cap as she was not the “actual victim” of the malpractice. Judge Felix authored the opinion, with Judge Mathias concurring and Judge May dissenting. Judge May concluded Keisler was not merely a third-party claimant grieving her daughter’s death, but also a traditional patient whose own providers breached duties owed directly to her by failing to correct their breastfeeding instructions after learning of the infant’s galactosemia diagnosis. May reasoned that Keisler’s emotional injury stemmed from unknowingly becoming “the unwitting physical instrument” of her daughter’s harm while relying on her providers’ medical advice, making her an actual victim of malpractice entitled to a separate statutory damages cap under the Medical Malpractice Act. May would have reversed and remanded for entry of judgment in Keisler’s favor on the statutory cap issue. Attorneys for appellants: Hannah K. Brady, Michael E. Simmons, Hume Smith Geddes Green & Simmons LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana; Andrea R. Simmons, Cohen & Malad LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys for appellees: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Erie Insurance Exchange v. Christine Cosme and Roy Cosme
No. 25A-CT-1439

Appeal from the Lake Superior Court, Judge Bruce D. Parent. The trial court found Erie Insurance Exchange liable for bad faith in failing to pay the Cosmes’ insurance claim following a rear-end collision. Despite a jury awarding the Cosmes over $8 million for damages related to the wreck and policy breaches, the trial court reduced the amount to approximately $3.6 million, citing the policy limitations as justification. The court upheld the denial of Erie’s motion for partial summary judgment, ruling that the Cosmes had sufficiently shown issues of material fact concerning Erie’s actions, and it allowed expert testimony categorizing Erie’s conduct as “opportunistic fraud.” Ultimately, the appellate court affirmed in part, reversed the reduction of breach of policy damages, and remanded for further consideration of total damages. Judge Felix authored the opinion, with Judges May and Mathias concurring. Appellant’s attorneys: Dina M. Cox, Charles R. Whybrew, Lewis Wagner & Trimble, Indianapolis, Indiana; and James P. Strenski, Tyler L. Jones, Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP, Carmel, Indiana. Appellees’ attorneys: Angela M. Jones, Pillar Jones LLC, Crown Point, Indiana; Steven J. Sersic, Smith Sersic LLC, Munster, Indiana.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
North River Insurance Company and RiverStone Claims Management LLC v. Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc.
No. 25A-PL-375

Appeal from the Tippecanoe Superior Court, Judge Randy J. Williams. Landis+Gyr Technology, Inc. sued North River Insurance Company and RiverStone Claims Management LLC for insurance coverage related to pollution remediation costs at a former manufacturing site. The trial court initially granted partial summary judgment in favor of Landis, awarding over $10 million. On appeal, the court reversed this decision, ruling that the North River policies did not apply under New York law due to the pro rata allocation approach, which would yield no liability for North River, as the damages did not exceed the policy’s attachment point. The court remanded the case for the entry of summary judgment for the defendants on all claims. Judge Vaidik authored the opinion, with Judges Mathias and Pyle concurring. Appellants’ attorneys: Erik Mroz, Elizabeth S. Straw, Drewry Simmons Vornehm LLP, Carmel, Indiana; Bryan H. Babb, Bradley M. Dick, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana; John D. LaBarbera, Bevin Carroll, Kennedys Law LLP, Chicago, Illinois. Appellee’s attorney: Brent W. Huber, Jenny R. Buchheit, Robert A. Jorczak, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Joel Thomas Meyer v. State of Indiana
No. 24A-CR-3025

Appeal from the Madison Circuit Court, Judge Angela Warner Sims. Meyer was found guilty of Level 1 felony attempted murder and Level 3 felony criminal confinement after severely attacking his fiancée. He appealed, claiming the officers’ warrantless entry into his home was unconstitutional and that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions. The court affirmed his convictions, ruling that the officers acted reasonably under exigent circumstances due to visible blood and a history of domestic violence. The case was remanded for a correction in the judgment regarding the merger of the aggravated battery conviction into the attempted murder conviction. Judge Scheele authored the opinion, with Judge May concurring and Chief Judge Tavitas concurring in part. Appellant’s attorneys: Jennifer Jones Auger, Law Office of Jennifer Auger, Franklin, Indiana; Andrew J. Baldwin and Kinsey H. Chaney, Baldwin, Perry & Wiley PC, Franklin, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
In the Matter of the Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship of C.J.B. (Minor Child); A.B. (Father), Appellant-Respondent v. Indiana Department of Child Services, Appellee-Petitioner
No. 25A-JT-3154

Appeal from the Dearborn Circuit Court, Judge F. Aaron Negangard. A.B. (“Father”) appeals the termination of his parental rights to C.J.B. (“Child”), arguing that the trial court erred by denying his motion for a continuance of the fact-finding hearing while he was incarcerated. The court concludes that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the motion and that the denial did not violate Father’s due process rights. Father failed to demonstrate good cause for the continuance, did not follow the procedural requirements, and his lack of communication further indicated a lack of interest in the proceedings. Chief Judge Tavitas authored the opinion. Judges Bailey and Foley concur. Appellant’s attorney: R. Patrick Magrath, West Sixth Law LLP, Madison, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Drew Sanders, Pure Holdings, Inc., and Pure Development Capital, Inc. v. Chris Seger
No. 25A-PL-1345

Appeal from the Madison Circuit Court, Judge Mark K. Dudley. The trial court dissolved the corporations Pure Holdings and Pure Development Capital, asserting an irreconcilable deadlock between the parties, but failed to find jurisdiction over Pure Development, which was not a named party in the dissolution proceedings. The appellate court reversed the dissolution of Pure Development, affirming the dissolutions of Pure Holdings and Pure Development Capital, citing a breakdown of trust and the inability of the parties to govern effectively as evidence of deadlock. Additionally, the court upheld the dismissal of Sanders’s counterclaims for breach of fiduciary duty and abuse of process. Judge Weissmann authored the opinion, with Judges Bradford and DeBoer concurring. Attorneys for appellants Pure Holdings Inc. and Pure Development Capital Inc.: B. (Too) Keller, Matthew R. Macaluso, Keller Macaluso LLC, Carmel, Indiana. Attorneys for appellant Drew Sanders: Andrew W. Hull, Michael R. Limrick, Christopher D. Wagner, Megan M. Riley, Hoover Hull Turner LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys for appellee: Robert D. MacGill, Matthew T. Ciulla, Patrick J. Sanders, Elizabeth L. Merritt, MacGill PC, Indianapolis, Indiana.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Taylor Routh v. Bernard Kappe, Joseph K. Bernard, State of Indiana, Indiana Department of Transportation, Delaware County, Indiana, and City of Muncie, Indiana
No. 25A-PL-2593

Appeal from the Delaware Circuit Court, Judge John M. Feick. Taylor Routh initiated a lawsuit against multiple parties, including the State of Indiana and the Indiana Department of Transportation, after a motor vehicle collision. The State Parties moved for summary judgment, asserting immunity which the trial court granted. Routh appealed, arguing the court erred. The appellate court affirmed, concluding that INDOT’s decision to remove a traffic signal and its subsequent planning phase for remedial measures constituted discretionary functions shielded from liability. The court agreed with the trial court’s reliance on previous case law indicating governmental decision-making for traffic safety falls under immunity protections. Judge Bradford authored the opinion, with Judges Pyle and Kenworthy concurring. Appellant’s attorneys: Austin P. Sparks, Jason R. Delk, Delk McNally LLP, Muncie, Indiana. Appellees INDOT and State of Indiana’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General. 

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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.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
James Easter, Appellant-Defendant v. State of Indiana, Appellee-Plaintiff
No. 25A-CR-1229

Appeal from Marion Superior Court, Judge James K. Snyder. James Easter was convicted of multiple crimes, including rape by force and rape by disregarding refusal, after assaulting his ex-girlfriend. He appealed the convictions on the grounds that they constituted substantive double jeopardy. The court found that both rape counts were based on the same act of oral sex, thus applying the framework from a recent Supreme Court decision, which concluded that his dual convictions for rape amounted to a single offense. Additionally, the court determined that his conviction for criminal confinement also violated the double jeopardy doctrine since the State could not demonstrate that the confinement was separate from the force used during the rape. Consequently, the convictions for rape by disregarding refusal and criminal confinement were vacated, and the case was remanded for correction. Judge Weissmann authored the opinion, with Judge Bradford and Judge DeBoer concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Ellen M. O’Connor, Marion County Public Defender Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
George Lane v. Lloyd Arnold, DOC Commissioner, and Shane McHenry, Dearborn County Sheriff
No. 25A-PL-2925

Appeal from the Dearborn Superior Court, Judge Sally A. McLaughlin. George Lane, who was required to register as a sex offender for 10 years following his 2008 Indiana conviction, sought declaratory relief after moving to Kentucky where he was mandated to register for life. Upon returning to Indiana, officials informed him of a lifetime registration requirement due to his Kentucky status. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the Indiana officials, affirming that Lane was required to register for life in Indiana based on his ongoing legal obligations under Kentucky law. The court reasoned that Lane’s registration requirements in Kentucky were sufficient to invoke Indiana’s Jurisdiction Statute, which necessitates compliance with the more stringent registration length. Judge Mathias authored the opinion, with Judges May and Felix concurring. Appellant’s attorney: Cara Schaefer Wieneke, Wieneke Law Office, LLC, Brooklyn, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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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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Indiana Court of Appeals
Jeremiah Shanks v. State of Indiana
No. 25A-CR-1539

Appeal from the Marion Superior Court, Judge James K. Snyder. Jeremiah Shanks was convicted of murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm following the shooting death of Elijah Martin during a gun deal. He appealed, claiming his convictions for murder and armed robbery constitute double jeopardy. The court agreed, noting that the state failed to rebut the presumption of a double jeopardy violation because both offenses stemmed from a single continuous act — the shooting being the force element in the robbery charge. The court reversed the armed robbery conviction and remanded for its vacation. Judge Scheele authored the opinion, with Judge Felix concurring and Judge Brown dissenting. Brown writes that he would affirm both convictions, finding that murder and robbery are two distinct, chargeable crimes and therefore the continuous crime doctrine does not apply. Appellant’s attorneys: Talisha Griffin, Sarah Medlin, Marion County Public Defender Agency, Indianapolis, Indiana. Appellee’s attorney: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

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Indiana Court of Appeals
Madison Futa and Sarah Denunzio v. Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Inc., Saint Joseph High School, John Kennedy, Debra Brown, and Justin Cochran
No. 25A-CT-2216

Appeal from the St. Joseph Circuit Court, Special Judge Michael A. Christofeno. The court affirms the trial court’s entry of summary judgment for the defendants, finding that the plaintiffs’ claims were time-barred by Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations. The court determined that the claims accrued when the plaintiffs graduated from high school, well before the filing of the complaint, and rejected arguments about tolling based on COVID-19, the discovery rule, continuing wrong, and fraudulent concealment. The plaintiffs had not demonstrated a genuine issue of material fact that would preclude summary judgment. Judge Mathias authored the opinion, with Judges May and Felix concurring. Appellants’ attorneys: Brandon E. Tate, Katherine A. Piscione, Waldron Tate Land LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys for appellees Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, St. Joseph High School, John Kennedy and Debra Brown: Lyle R. Hardman, Hunt Suedhoff Kearney, LLP, South Bend, Indiana; and Robert T. Keen Jr., Barrett McNagny LLP, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Attorneys for appellee Justin Cochran: Kenneth E. Biggins, Jr. and Jeremy J. McDonald, Lee and Zalas, P.C., South Bend, Indiana.

Indiana Court of Appeals
Michael A. Conley Sr. v. USA Track & Field Inc.
25A-CT-2995

Civil tort. Interlocutory appeal from the Marion Superior Court, Judge Christina R. Klineman. Affirms the denial of Michael A. Conley Sr.’s motion to compel arbitration in a dispute with USA Track & Field Inc. stemming from allegations that Conley breached his fiduciary duties as board chairman during the 2024 Olympic marathon trials bidding process. Holds that USATF’s bylaw requiring arbitration applies only to controversies involving its recognition as a national governing body, and Conley’s alleged misconduct — including communications and coordination with a board member tied to a disqualified bid — does not constitute such a controversy. Concludes that resolution of USATF’s claims against Conley will not affect USATF’s recognition status and therefore does not trigger mandatory arbitration. Judge Mathias authored the opinion. Judges May and Felix concur. Appellant attorneys: Daniel R. Kelley, Nicholas R. Burris, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Deirdre A. Close, Croke, Fairchild, Duarte & Beres LLP. Appellee attorneys: Jonathan D. Mattingly, Hamish S. Cohen, Brian R. Weir-Harden, Jeffrey N. Furminger, Mattingly Burke Cohen & Biederman LLP.

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United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Close Armstrong, LLC, et al. v. Trunkline Gas Company, LLC
24-1630

Civil. Appeal from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, South Bend Division, Judge Damon R. Leichty. Denies the petition for rehearing and issues minor amendments to its March 31, 2026 opinion. Holds the panel unanimously voted to deny rehearing and clarifies language describing the landowners’ suit to define and limit the scope of an easement and the procedural history of consolidated cases that resulted in partial summary judgment for Trunkline. Circuit Judge Easterbrook, Circuit Judge Jackson-Akiwumi and Circuit Judge Maldonado were on the panel.

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Court of Appeals of Indiana
Tradewinds Holding Company, Inc. v. CPUS Anson Building 8A, LP
No. 25A-PL-347

Appeal from Boone Superior Court, Judge Matthew C. Kincaid. Tradewinds Holding Company, Inc. appealed the Boone Superior Court’s partial summary judgment in favor of CPUS Anson Building 8A, LP, which found Tradewinds breached their lease agreement. The trial court awarded Anson over $3.5 million in damages, along with attorney fees and post-judgment interest. The appellate court affirmed Tradewinds’ breach of contract but found that the trial court erred in its damages calculation. The case was remanded for a recalculation of the damages owed by Tradewinds, specifically addressing the timeline for when rents and associated costs became due. Judge Scheele authored the opinion, with Judges Brown and Felix concurring. Appellants’ attorney: Alexander P. Pinegar, Church Church Hittle + Antrim, Noblesville, Indiana. Appellees’ attorneys: Jenny R. Buchheit, Robert A. Jorczak, Christina L. Fugate, Adam M. Alexander, Ice Miller LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana. This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and has been reviewed by an editor for accuracy.