(UNDATED) – In May of 2018 , Joshuah Rainbolt was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder of Blake Box-Skinner, two Huntingburg women were arrested In the death of a 70-year-old man, Samuel Arp II beat out Michelle Woodward for prosecutor in the primary election and Jon Bennett was named the new superintendent Of Paoli Community Schools
Two Huntingburg Women Arrested In Death Of 70-Year-Old Man
Huntingburg Police arrested two Huntingburg women after they say they neglected to care for a 70-year-old man who died from malnutrition and severe pressure ulcers or bed sores.
Police say Bruce Clayton was taken to Memorial Hospital emergency room by ambulance. The emergency room doctor then contacted police because of his extreme condition.
On December 18, 2017, a few days after being admitted to the hospital, Clayton died. The autopsy revealed severe malnourishment and infection from the pressure ulcers contributed to his death.
Aquilar
Rodrigues
According to police Clayton suffered a stroke in 2012 and was physically and mentally disabled and was left in the care of 24-year-old Latasha Rodriguez and 22-year-old Selena Aquilar, both of Huntingburg. Rodriquez had power of attorney placing her in charge of all Clayton’s affairs.
An investigation into Clayton’s financial and health records back to 2012 revealed a history of financial exploitation and neglect.
Police arrested both Rodriguez and Aquilar on felony charges of neglect of a dependent and financial exploitation of an endangered adult. Both are being held without bond in the Dubois County Security Center.
Joshuah Rainbolt Sentenced To 55 Years In Prison For Murder Of Blake Box-Skinner
Washington Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock sentenced Joshuah Rainbolt to 55 years in prison with five additional years to be served probation after his release, for murdering 20-year-old Blake Box-Skinner of Campbellsburg.
Joshuah Rainbolt
Rainbolt pleaded guilty in an open plea deal, meaning his sentence was up to Judge Medlock.
In exchange for his guilty plea to murder, the charges of obstruction of justice and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime were dropped.
Blake Box-Skinner
According to a Washington Circuit Court probable cause affidavit, Rainbolt admitted to police he shot Blake Box-Skinner in the back of the head with a shotgun, then moved Box-Skinner’s body to a shed at 10609 W. Lost River Road. Rainbolt placed the body under a washing machine. Rainbolt told police he then drove to the Ft. Ritner Bridge off White River Road and threw the shotgun into the White River.
State Trooper Jonathan Cain, who is Box-Skinner’s uncle, had visited the home with Blake’s parents – Carol Box and Derek Skinner. The family was concerned because they had not heard from their son in several days and had reported him missing.
When they arrived, the parents entered the home and found their son’s phone inside and knew something was wrong. Trooper Cain then checked outbuildings on the property and discovered the body.
Police then contacted Rainbolt by phone and asked him to come in for an interview. Police say he admitted to killing Blake.
On January 12, 2017, police arrested Rainbolt on charges of murder and a felony charge of obstruction of justice. The charge of the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime was added later.
Jon Bennett Named New Superintendent Of Paoli Community Schools
Jon Bennett was named new superintendent of Paoli Community Schools.
Bennet replaced Casey Brewster, who was suspended for failure to manage the financial affairs of the school corporation in a prudent, reasonable or professional manner, for placing the corporation in financial distress and for failure to make satisfactory/acceptable progress in academic affairs as reflected in corporation standardized tests scores, Indiana Department of Education regulatory actions and the absence of a suitable academic plan.
Brewster resigned before the school board could vote on whether to terminate his contract.
Bennett left a position at Huntington County Community School Corp where he served as assistant superintendent for business and classified staff.
He took office on June 1. His contract is good through July 1, 2021. His pay including benefits is $138,597.
Shoals Man Arrested After Allegedly Raping Teenage Boy
A Shoals man is facing a felony rape charge.
According to Indiana State Police, 62-year-old Allen Tuttle attacked a teenage boy in his home on March 29.
The boy’s mother reported the attack after finding a text message on the teen’s phone accusing Tuttle of the incident.
In the text message exchanges, Tuttle reportedly called the boy a “waste of space” and said he didn’t rape the boy.
The boy told police that this was not the first time Tuttle had attacked him. The first incident happened two years ago.
Police say Tuttle denies ever touching the teen and agreed to submit to a polygraph test, which police say he failed.
Tuttle was arrested on a felony charge of rape and is being held in the Martin County jail without bond.
Samuel Arp II Beat Out Michelle Woodward For Prosecutor
A Cinderella story came true for Samuel Arp II after he won the Republican nomination for Lawrence County prosecutor.
Arp II received 2,550 votes, or 51.9 percent of the vote beating Woodward who received 2,361 votes, or 48.1 percent.
Arp, a local attorney, and former Indiana State Police trooper said he is humbled that voters entrusted him with this great responsibility.
Arp, whose campaign centered on the drug problem in Lawrence County plans to take a strong stand against drug dealers.
Woodward has served Lawrence County for more than 12 years.
