On the morning of 4-1-19, an autopsy was conducted.  The body was identified to be 30 year old Nicole Lynn Bowen of West Lafayette.  The FBI assisted with the identification process.

 

4-1-19 As a result of this investigation, Garett K. Kirts 21 years old of Lebanon was arrested on a Jasper County charge of RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT and held at the Jasper County Jail.

 

4-2-19 Jasmine N. Parker, 34 years old of Kentland, IN was charged for ASSISTING A CRIMINAL, level  5 Felony.

4-3-19 Ashley N. Garth, 26 years old of Delphi, IN was charged for ASSISTING A CRIMINAL, level 5 Felony.

4-5-19 Garett K. Kirts charged with MURDER, Felony charge.  Kirts is now in the Newton County Jail being held without bond.

 

A warrant has been issued and is outstanding for Christopher (Chris) Channing Mathis, 27 years old of Kentland for ASSISTING A CRIMINAL, level 5 Felony.

 

Anyone with information as to Mathis’ whereabouts should call the Newton County Sheriff’s Office 219-474-5661.

 

All suspects are considered innocent unless/until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

Sheriff VanVleet said “I’m extremely pleased with the timely resolution in this case and very proud of the dedication shown by our Deputies.  I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the assisting agencies for their involvement and aid in this investigation.”

 

Assisting agencies:  Newton County Coroner’s Office, Newton County Prosecutor’s Office, Indiana State Police, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County Coroner’s, Rensselaer Police Department and FBI