A Missouri man has been arrested and charged in connection with the killing of an Indianapolis woman, over 30 years after the case was opened. 52-year-old Dana Jermaine Shepherd faces two counts of murder and one count of rape related to the 1993 death of Carmen Hope Van Huss.
Shepherd was arrested on Friday, August 30, in Boone County, Missouri. He faces charges in Marion County, Indiana, local Indianapolis station WTHR reports. According to the outlet, Shepard was reportedly employed as a custodian at the University of Missouri.
Van Huss’s brother Jimmy expressed his relief that his sibling’s alleged killer was brought to justice after so many years.
“She was taken from me when I was a freshman in high school. I’m glad the man who did it is where he belongs,” Jimmy Van Huss said at a press conference on Sept. 3.
Deputy Chief Kendale Adams, of IMPD’s Criminal Investigations Division, also weighed in on the investigation.
“For 31 years, the family of Carmen Van Huss has been searching for answers and justice. While nothing can ever replace their loved one, we hope that today’s arrest brings them some measure of peace,” Deputy Adams said on the day of Shepherd’s arrest. “We remain dedicated to bringing justice to all victims. [We] will continue to pursue every lead, no matter how much time has passed.”
Advancements in DNA Testing and Genealogy Databases Aided in Solving the Indianapolis Woman’s Murder
Police report that advancements in DNA testing, along with data from genealogy databases, produced results that ultimately guided investigators to Shepherd.
“For more than 31 years, Van Huss’ family and friends never had the closure of knowing who was responsible for this heinous crime,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears explained, per WTHR. “Thanks to the resilient work of several individuals, many of whom have since retired, we have reached this point.
“The defendant will no longer have the undeserved freedom he has had for 31 years,” he added.
Court documents reveal that detectives reported Carmen sustained numerous puncture wounds to her head, face, and body.
The Marion County Coroner’s Office has determined that Carmen’s cause of death resulted from stab wounds to the head. They also classified her manner of death as a homicide. According to the coroner’s report, she sustained a total of 61 stab wounds across her body.
Meanwhile, court documents reveal that Sheperd was Van Huss’s neighbor at the time of her murder.
Shepherd is in custody at the Boone County jail in Missouri. A hearing is set to arrange his extradition back to Indianapolis soon.