BLOOMFIELD – A Greene County man accused in the high-profile double homicide of Samantha Jerrell, 36, and her 14-year-old son, Colton, intends to plead guilty to charges, according to his attorney. Joshua Penick, 36, faces two counts of murder in connection with their deaths.
A change of plea hearing for Penick is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, with sentencing currently set for October 1. It remains unclear at this time which specific charges Penick plans to plead guilty to. Penick remains presumed innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
The tragic discovery of Jerrell and Colton’s bodies at Bear Run Mine in Sullivan County in October 2024 brought a grim end to a search that began with a welfare check. Concerns arose on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, when Jerrell’s coworker reported her unusual absence from work and suggested she might be with Penick, prompting police to investigate.
During their investigation, authorities uncovered a history of domestic violence between Jerrell and Penick. Additionally, in June 2024, Penick had been involved in a separate investigation related to sex crimes involving a child.
Police initially had difficulty locating Penick. A phone ping led them to a potential location that yielded no results. However, Penick’s father later informed police that his son had called him from Georgia, stating, “Shit went south, and I can’t talk about it on the phone.” Penick had also left a letter with family members that read in part, “Dad’s sorry, I don’t know what is wrong with me, and you all deserve better. … Let go, it’s okay now, breathe, live, love, laugh, prosper, be at peace, numb Josh.”
Penick’s father offered to cooperate with police once his son was in his car. During their conversation, Penick allegedly admitted, “I think I killed them,” referring to Jerrell and Colton, and indicated their bodies were located in Bear Run Mine. Shortly after this admission, Penick reportedly fled from his father.
Indiana State Police apprehended Penick and took him into custody. On Thursday, October 17, 2024, a search of Bear Run Coal Mine in Sullivan County, aided by a cadaver dog, led to the discovery of two bodies buried in shallow graves. Authorities subsequently identified the victims as Samantha Jerrell and her son, Colton.
Penick was charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of murder, four counts of obstruction of justice, resisting law enforcement, and false informing. Police reported that during his escort to jail, Penick resisted arrest by kicking and grabbing at officers. During an interview on Friday, October 18, 2024, Penick reportedly admitted, “I just put my hand around her neck and didn’t let go,” and stated he buried both victims in the same grave.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
