Update: Murder Charges filed in Death Investigation in Kent, IN. on May 14, 2022

Initial charges

On May 25, 2022, as a result of the investigation, Dalton M. Simmonds, 28 y/o, of Kent, IN was formally charged with: -

Murder - Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony) - Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony) - Animal Cruelty (Level 6 Felony)

On May 14, 2022 at approximately 1:10 p.m., the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kent Mercantile on SR 256 and shortly after to 8286 W. Kent Blankenship Road in Kent, IN to investigate the death of Christy L. Newman, 44, of Madison.

These are initial charges, and Mr. Simmonds is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation; with the assistance of The Indiana State Police, Hanover Police Department, The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, KDH EMS and River Town Towing.