BEDFORD — The murder trial for Casey Brown, a man accused in the February 2024 death of 21-year-old Kobe Stancombe, has been postponed. The trial, originally scheduled to begin on September 8, 2025, in Lawrence County Superior Court I, will now take place from November 12-21, 2025.
The decision was made during a Final Motions Hearing on September 4, 2025. Defense counsel requested the continuance, citing a delay on the part of the State of Indiana. Despite an objection from the State, Judge John M. Plummer III granted the motion on September 8.
Additionally, Judge Plummer ordered Brown’s release from custody regarding the murder charges, in accordance with Indiana Criminal Rule 4. Indiana Criminal Rule 4 establishes a one-year timeline for the state to bring a criminal defendant to trial following their arrest or charge, whichever is later. The clock generally starts ticking after an event occurs. If the state fails to meet this deadline without a delay caused by the defendant, the case must be dismissed. However, Brown was not released from jail; the state is now holding him on a petition to revoke probation charges. Brown was on probation at the time the murder was committed.
A final pretrial is scheduled for October 21, at 9 a.m.
Brown is charged with murder, attempted murder, and criminal confinement with a deadly weapon. The charges stem from a shooting on February 25, 2024, inside a Jeep where Brown, Stancombe, and a third person, Bradley Harper, were present. Following the shooting of Stancombe, Brown is accused of attempting to shoot Harper, who fled the vehicle. He is also charged with holding Harper against his will before forcing him to flee the scene.
A police chase ensued after officers located the Jeep in Paoli. During the felony stop, Harper complied with officers, but Brown allegedly refused to surrender, leading to an hours-long standoff. Officers deployed pepper balls and gas canisters in an attempt to get Brown to comply. The standoff concluded when Brown reportedly shot himself. Officers immediately administered life-saving measures, and he was transported to a hospital for treatment. He was released on March 8, 2024, and transported to the Lawrence County Jail to face his charges.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
