COLUMBUS — A Bartholomew County jury has found 60-year-old Brent Clayburn guilty of attempted murder after a violent domestic dispute that terrorized a local neighborhood nearly two years ago.
Following a four-day trial last week, Clayburn was convicted of attempted murder and criminal confinement with a deadly weapon. The jury deliberated for just over three hours before returning the guilty verdicts on both counts.
The convictions stem from an incident in September 2024 on Silver Fox Drive. According to evidence presented by the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, police responded to reports of shots being fired during a domestic dispute between Clayburn and his ex-wife.
The details revealed during the trial described a life-threatening pursuit. Clayburn’s ex-wife managed to flee the residence as he fired multiple rounds from a handgun in her direction.
Several bullets struck a neighbor’s home, where the victim eventually found safety and called for help.
After the shooting, Clayburn barricaded himself inside his home, leading to a tense two-hour standoff with a SWAT team before he finally surrendered to authorities.
Prosecutor Lindsey Holden, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Kim Sexton-Yeager, and Deputy Prosecutor Mat Taylor led the case for the state. Through testimony and forensic evidence, the team illustrated that Clayburn’s actions were a deliberate attempt to take the life of his former spouse.
In Indiana, attempted murder is classified as a Level 1 Felony, the most serious category of felony in the state. Convictions for Level 1 Felonies carry a sentencing range of 20 to 50 years in the Department of Corrections, with an advisory sentence of 30 years.
Clayburn will be sentenced on May 18th at 2:30 p.m.
Resources for Victims
Advocates remind the public that domestic violence often escalates during periods of separation or divorce. Local resources in Bartholomew County, such as Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, provide 24/7 support, emergency shelter, and legal advocacy for those in danger.
National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.
Clayburn remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which will be scheduled in the coming weeks.
