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Last updated on Thursday, September 29, 2011
(OSGOOD)(TRIBUNE REPORTS) - A man wanted in connection with an attempted armed robbery in Ripley County was identified Wednesday as a “person of interest” in the weekend slayings of five Franklin County residents.
Sgt. Jerry Goodin of the Indiana State Police said David E. Ison, 46, of Glenwood was charged Tuesday in connection with a May 9 attempted armed robbery of Triplett's Drug Store in Osgood.
"During the arrest of David E. Ison, detectives from the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles developed information that possibly associated David Ison to the five deceased victims on Stipps Hill Road in Franklin County," Goodin said. "A search warrant was also conducted in conjunction with the arrest at a residence in Glenwood in Fayette County where David E. Ison was staying.
"Based on the results of the subsequent search warrant, Indiana State Police detectives have identified David Ison as a person of interest in the ongoing murder investigation of five people that occurred on Stipps Hill Road in Franklin County this past Sunday,"
Goodin added.
Information about the case will be forwarded to the Franklin County prosecutor's office for review, Goodin said.
"The murder case is still an active investigation with investigators continuing to follow tips and leads," he added.
A warrant was issued Tuesday out of Ripley Circuit Court after a five month investigation that began May 9 related to the attempted robbery. In that incident, Ison accused of attempting to rob the pharmacy and displayed a gun.
"He escaped the scene but left some of his DNA that was later collected by crime scene technicians from the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles," Goodin said. "The DNA was analyzed by the Indiana State Police Laboratory and a positive identification of David E. Ison was made."
Those killed Sunday at two residences near Laurel in Franklin County were Angela A. Napier, 47; Jacob L. Napier, 18; Roy D. Napier, 50; Melissa L. Napier, 23; and Henry X. Smith, 43. Each has been shot.
If anyone knows anything about this crime they are encouraged to contact detectives at the Indiana State Police Post at Versailles at (800) 566-6704. Callers can remain anonymous.
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