BEDFORD — A Lawrence County Superior Court II jury began hearing testimony Monday in the murder and attempted murder trial of Timothy Brian Helton, with Judge Robert Cline presiding.
The case stems from a Saturday, May 18, 2024, shooting that left Johnnie Grubb IV dead and Jeffery Crane critically injured. Lawrence County Prosecutor Sam Arp and Joshua Scherschel present the case for the state, while Chief Public Defender Tim Sledd and D. Michael Allen defend Helton.
In his opening statement, Prosecutor Arp emphasized the brevity of the incident, which was captured on surveillance cameras. “I challenge you to remember this took place in less than 30 seconds, the time it took you to brush your teeth this morning,” Arp told jurors.
Public Defender Sledd countered by urging the jury not to rush to judgment. “Watch the movement on the videos and what is said,” Sledd advised. “The why here matters. If they don’t disprove self-defense, you must acquit.”
Sledd also admitted his client had smoked meth and that blood work from Grubb and Crane both tested positive for meth.
According to statements from Grubb’s fiancée, Ashley Bauer, she was inside the home with her two children when gunshots rang out. She reported that Grubb stumbled into the house, informing her that Crane had also been shot.
The jury heard a frantic 911 call from Bauer following the shooting at Grubb’s residence on Sunny Acres Lane, southeast of Bedford. Bauer tells them to send help fast, and Grubb moans in the background. “John, stay awake, babe. They are coming. I love ya, babe. You’re not going to die.”
First responders found Grubb, 44, inside the entrance of his home with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest. Crane, 49, of Mitchell, was discovered in the garage with gunshot wounds to his stomach and leg.
Lawrence County Fire Territory EMT Jacqueline Dorsett testified that Grubb was conscious but critical when she arrived, he was repeatedly saying “all this over a damn 4-wheeler.” Grubb stopped breathing upon arrival at IU Health Bedford Hospital, where doctors were unable to save him.
Crane was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital for emergency surgery.
Testimony revealed a previous confrontation between the parties when Crane allegedly caught Helton attempting to steal a 4-wheeler from the property. Grubb’s sister, Debbie Cadwell, testified she had identified Helton through Facebook after the theft attempt but had not reported the incident to police; neither did Crane or Grubb.
Surveillance footage shown to the jury depicted two men, allegedly including Helton and 29-year-old Christopher Cecil, who was later arrested in Greene County on a felony probation warrant and charged with methamphetamine possession, entering Grubb’s garage, where a confrontation ensued before shots were fired. Additional video evidence showed a vehicle matching Helton’s driving to and fleeing the scene.
Helton was arrested later that day by Bloomington Police Officers Jonathan Bieker and Gerrit Jan Berend Heitink and Indiana State Police troopers on State Road 45/46 bypass near Fee Lane. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger P95 9mm handgun under the passenger seat, which investigators later connected to the shooting. Helton was also armed with a knife on his belt.
During a break in testimony and outside of the jury’s presence, Judge Cline confiscated a phone and notes Crane’s wife, Jamie, was taking during the trial. She was accused of recording the proceedings for her husband, who is a witness and not permitted in the courtroom during testimony.
Testimony will resume Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., with Sheriff Greg Day taking the stand.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
