DEARBORN COUNTY, IN—Prosecutors in Dearborn County have announced they are seeking a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for a Seymour man accused of fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend this summer.
Brent Wellman, 33, of Seymour, has been formally charged with murder, resisting law enforcement, and a felony firearm enhancement in connection with the death of Dennis Adams Jr., 39. Prosecutors announced that they will pursue a severe penalty in the case.
The incident unfolded in August and reportedly began at the home of Wellman’s former girlfriend in North Vernon. According to police, Adams had spent the night at the woman’s house. Overnight, the two reportedly heard a loud noise, suggesting someone might have been breaking in, but they found nothing amiss at the residence.
Adams left for work early the following morning. Shortly after, the Dearborn County dispatch center received a report regarding a vehicle that had stopped on the highway in front of a home, where shots were subsequently fired. A witness told police they saw a man behind the wheel covered in blood, and a second man—later identified as Wellman—climbing from the back seat into the driver’s seat.
Following the shooting, the incident led to a police chase and a crash. Wellman fled the scene on foot, and Adams’s body was discovered off the road near a treeline. Wellman was later located in a nearby creek, wearing only his underwear.
Wellman is currently being held without bond in the Dearborn County Jail.
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.
