VINCENNES – The legal proceedings are underway for Dylan Smith, the Vincennes man charged with murder in the August 5 death of Taylor Hendershot. Smith’s attorney, Brock Dawson, has filed a request for a change of venue, arguing that his client cannot receive a fair trial in Knox County.
The request cites several factors, including widespread media coverage, community memorials for the victim, and the victim’s family’s connections to a sitting judge. Dawson contends that these circumstances could prevent the selection of an impartial jury.
Prosecutor Dirk Carnahan has opposed the request, calling it “untimely” and stating that no evidence has been presented to prove that potential jurors are biased. He argued that public vigils and media attention are common following violent crimes and do not automatically create prejudice. Carnahan believes that jury questioning is the proper way to ensure impartiality.
A fatal shooting on August 5 led to a police standoff that resulted in Smith’s arrest. Vincennes Police were called to the parking lot of the Cardinal Liquor Store on North Sixth Street, where they found Hendershot with fatal gunshot wounds. The suspect, later identified as Smith, reportedly fled the scene in a black SUV, which was found wrecked a block away. This led police to a nearby home on Carbon Street, where a standoff ensued for several hours before Smith was taken into custody.
The court is now set to weigh the arguments from both sides before deciding on the venue request.
