Wayne County Indiana Coroner's Office

07/26/2026

Some days our office is called to answer questions. Other days, there simply aren’t words that can ease the pain. Today is one of those days.

Last night, our office responded to two separate shooting incidents in our county. These remain active investigations, and out of respect for those involved and the investigation, there is very little information we can share at this time.

Today, we simply ask our community to join us in keeping the victims, their families, and everyone affected by these tragedies in your thoughts and prayers. In the coming days, they will face unimaginable grief, and they deserve our compassion, our respect, and our support.

To the families: our hearts are with you. You are not walking this road alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.

Please continue to keep everyone affected by these heartbreaking events in your thoughts and prayers.

07/24/2026

Update: Family has been located! Thank you, everyone!

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 | 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞! 💛

Every person has a story, and every person deserves to have their loved ones notified with dignity and compassion.

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is working alongside the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office to locate the next of kin for Roberta Brewer, age 65, who passed away in Richmond on July 7, 2026.

We believe Roberta, or members of her family, may have ties to Terre Haute, Indiana. If you know Roberta, know how to reach her family, or have any information that may help us, we ask that you please contact the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office at 765-973-9392.

Even the smallest piece of information could help bring answers to a family and ensure Roberta’s final arrangements are handled with the care and respect every person deserves.

Please consider sharing this post so it reaches as many people as possible. Thank you for helping us serve our community with compassion!

07/22/2026

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a fatal single vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning as 25 year old William Heath III of Muncie, Indiana.

At approximately 1:40 AM on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, emergency responders were dispatched to the area of North U.S. 35 and State Road 1 for a reported single-vehicle crash. Mr. Heath, the driver, was pronounced deceased at the scene, while a passenger was transported to Reid Health for treatment.

Following investigation and legal identification, the Wayne County Coroner’s Office has determined that Mr. Heath died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. As is customary, toxicology testing has been ordered.

Mr. Heath’s family has been notified. The Wayne County Coroner’s Office recognizes that behind every investigation is a person whose life mattered and a family whose lives have been changed forever. We extend our heartfelt condolences to William’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time and ask that they be afforded respect as they grieve.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Information regarding how the collision occurred and any additional investigative findings as it pertains to the accident, should be released by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office as it becomes available.

We also wish to recognize the professionalism and cooperation of Wayne County Emergency Communications, Wayne County Indiana Sheriff's Office, Hagerstown Indiana Police, Cambridge City Indiana Police Department, Hagerstown Fire Department, Economy Fire Department, Reid Health EMS, and Road One Towing. Their coordinated response ensured that this incident was handled with care, compassion, and professionalism from beginning to end.

07/04/2026

Today, America celebrates 250 years of freedom!

As fireworks light the sky and families gather together, take a moment to remember those who cannot be with us today.

For many, this day is joyful.
For others, it is a reminder of loss.

May we celebrate with gratitude and remember with love.

🇺🇸

07/03/2026

We want to thank Richmond Police for their hard work and dedication in seeing this case through.

Behind every overdose death is a person who mattered and a family left carrying unimaginable loss.

Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones! 💛

ARREST MADE IN DEALING RESULTING IN DEATH INVESTIGATION

The Richmond Police Department has arrested Michael Sloan on a charge of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death (Level 1 Felony) following an extensive investigation led by Detective Zach Huskisson.

Cases involving fatal overdoses are among the most difficult investigations law enforcement officers encounter because every case represents a life lost and a family forever changed. Our detectives remain committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents and pursuing those who choose to profit from distributing dangerous narcotics in our community.

The Richmond Police Department will continue working tirelessly to identify and hold accountable individuals responsible for bringing illegal drugs into our city. Every arrest is another step toward making our community safer and seeking justice for victims and their loved ones.

We recognize that no arrest can undo the pain experienced by a grieving family, but we hope this investigation provides a measure of accountability and demonstrates our commitment to protecting the citizens of Richmond.

We appreciate the dedication of everyone involved in this investigation and remain steadfast in our mission to combat the distribution of illegal drugs and improve the safety of our community.

All criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

06/26/2026

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is providing an update regarding the death investigation that occurred on 6/24/2026 at Reid Hospital that stemmed from an incident that occurred near the Indiana-Ohio state line.

The decedent has been positively identified by our office as 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧, age 36, of Indianapolis. Next of kin has been notified.

Our thoughts are with Shanae’s family and loved ones as they begin to navigate this unimaginable loss.

Death investigators have confirmed that Ms. Robinson’s death involved foul play. It is believed the incident leading to her death occurred in the area of the Petro Travel Center in New Paris.

At this time, the suspect, Ladavid Shaw, has been arrested and is currently being held in the Preble County Jail on a charge of murder.

This investigation involved the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Montgomery County Ohio Coroner’s Office, Wayne County Indiana Sheriff's Office, Preble County Sheriff's Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office. We are grateful for the collaboration and professionalism shown by all agencies involved.

06/25/2026

Update: Victim Identified…. More info at https://www.facebook.com/share/1JbjqmGdPt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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On the evening of June 24, 2026, Wayne County Coroner Brent Meadows was notified of a death in the emergency department at Reid Health.

The investigation has revealed evidence indicating foul play is involved.

At this time, investigators believe the incident leading to the death may have occurred in the area of the Petro Travel Center, located in New Paris, just across the Indiana-Ohio state line.

The decedent has been transported to the Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory in Dayton for a forensic autopsy and confirmatory identification. Our office is continuing to work diligently to locate and notify next of kin.

This is a deeply tragic case, and our thoughts are with the loved ones of the decedent during this difficult time,” said Coroner Brent Meadows. “Our office is committed to conducting a thorough and professional investigation alongside our law enforcement partners. We ask for patience and respect as we work to confirm identification and notify family.”

This remains an active joint investigation involving the Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Wayne County Indiana Sheriff's Office, and Preble County Sheriff's Office in Ohio.

We would also like to thank our assisting partners, including the Preble County Coroner’s Office, Wayne County Emergency Communications, Richmond Fire Department, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department for their assistance during this investigation.

Additional information will be released as appropriate. The decedent’s name will be released once confirmatory identification has been completed and next of kin notifications have been made.

06/22/2026

📢 Join Our Team: Part-Time Investigator (Deputy Coroner)

🚩 Please share!

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is seeking a compassionate individual to serve as a part-time investigator. This vital role involves assisting families during some of life’s most challenging moments, ensuring every case is handled with care and respect.

Our investigators are responsible for determining cause and manner of death while working closely with our partners in law enforcement, healthcare systems, and many other stakeholders. Our Investigators are paid bi-weekly with an annual salary of $11,600.

If you’re a detailed oriented professional, and have a heart for serving others, we’d love to hear from you.

📌 For more information or to apply, please visit our website: https://waynecounty.in.gov/jobs/JobPostingCoronerDeputyJune92026.php

Any questions send us a message or contact Chief Deputy Dillon Pitcher at [email protected]

06/20/2026

This week, Investigators Vickie Castor and Erin Storm represented the Wayne County Coroner’s Office at the Indiana Coroners Conference. Throughout the week, they participated in training sessions, learned about the latest developments in the profession, and had the opportunity to network with other coroners and investigators from around Indiana.

We’re proud of their dedication to ongoing education and their commitment to serving Wayne County with professionalism and care!

06/16/2026

Update: Family located.

We wholeheartedly appreciate Wayne County and the surrounding community members who helped us make contact with Stevie’s family!

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𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭

The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is seeking family members of Steven “Stevie” Mullins, age 62, who was found deceased in Richmond, Indiana, on May 30, 2026.

Our office has exhausted all available investigative avenues to locate next of kin and is now turning to our community for assistance.

If you are a family member of Mr. Mullins, or have information that may help us identify and contact his family, please send us a private message on Facebook, email us at [email protected], or call our office at 765-973-9355.

Please share this post so we can help ensure Mr. Mullins’ family is notified.

Thank you for your assistance and compassion! 💛