SELLERSBURG — Prosecutors have significantly upgraded charges in an ongoing investigation into a June 13 shooting and subsequent vehicle crash that left a 17-year-old dead in Washington County. A fourth suspect is now in custody, facing counts of murder and attempted murder.
Isaiah J. Lambert, 20, of Salem, surrendered to authorities at the Washington County Jail on Wednesday, June 17, on an initial warrant for intimidation, drug dealing, and pointing a firearm. Following a court hearing today, the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office formally amended his charges to include murder and attempted murder. Lambert is currently being held on a $1 million cash bond.
The investigation has also led to amended charges for three other Salem residents who were previously arrested.
Amended Charges Filed
The four co-defendants now face a heavily upgraded slate of felony charges in connection with the incident:
| Defendant | Age | Residence | Primary Amended Charges |
| Isaiah J. Lambert | 20 | Salem, IN | Murder, Attempted Murder, Intimidation (L5), Dealing in a Schedule I-III Controlled Substance (L6), Pointing a Firearm (L6) |
| Jessica D. Lambert | 35 | Salem, IN | Aiding Murder, Aiding Attempted Murder, Aiding Intimidation (L5), False Informing (L5), Aiding Drug Dealing (L6) |
| Kendall N. Cline | 20 | Salem, IN | Aiding Murder, Aiding Attempted Murder, Intimidation (L6), Dealing in a Schedule I-III Controlled Substance (L6) |
| Ethan D. Edison | 22 | Salem, IN | Aiding Murder, Aiding Attempted Murder, Intimidation (L5), Dealing in a Schedule I-III Controlled Substance (L6), Pointing a Firearm (L6) |
According to the probable cause affidavit, the fatal chain of events began earlier on the evening of June 13 as a drug-related robbery involving suspected THC vape cartridges at a residence near Salem.
Roughly two hours after the robbery, the involved parties crossed paths again near Big Springs Church. Shots were fired during the encounter, striking 17-year-old Hunter Rowley. Rowley’s pickup truck veered off the road and overturned in a nearby wooded area. First responders located the heavily damaged vehicle and attempted to treat Rowley, but he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.
Indiana State Police detectives identified the suspects after interviewing multiple witnesses, reviewing electronic communications, and analyzing local home security video footage.
The investigation remains active. State police investigators extended thanks to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office, the Salem Police Department, Indiana DNR Conservation Officers, and the U.S. Marshals Service for their collaborative work on the case.
All criminal suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. Charges listed are allegations and are subject to further amendment by the court.
