UPDATE: North Vernon Police Department Respond To Deceased Subject

Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at 2:26 PM

By North Vernon Police Department, news release

This event occurred in the early morning hours of September 28.

(North Vernon, Ind.) - On September 28, at 12:44 a.m., officers with the North Vernon Police Department responded to the area of the City Park just south of FDR Drive after a concerned citizen observed a person lying in the grass behind a nearby business.

Officers arrived and determined the person was deceased. Detective Ivory Sandefur and Detective Nick Megel spent nearly 20 hours collecting evidence related to the event. The detectives worked closely with the Jennings County Prosecutor’s office throughout the investigation. Two males were identified as participants in an altercation which led to the death. Witness statements and security video of the event was collected from a business.

The following events were verified either by a security camera, statements, or a combination of both.

North Vernon Detectives determined Chance Goodwin was involved in the altercation. Goodwin came to the North Vernon Police Department voluntarily to be interviewed

Shortly before 12:44 a.m., on Monday, September 28, Chance Goodwin, 25, of North Vernon was driving the green Chevrolet Cavalier with Luis Silva, 23, of Micanopy Florida, as a passenger. Goodwin pulled into the Sunoco Gas Station at 765 North State Street. Goodwin reported that after arriving at the gas station Silva demanded money from him.

After refusing, Silva exited the passenger seat and came around the driver’s side of the car. Goodwin had exited when Silva did. Goodwin stated that Silva confronted him again and demanded money while approaching him. Goodwin stated that he feared for his safety and struck Silva one time with a knife he had armed himself with.

Goodwin retreated about 20 feet away from Silva. Silva retreated and ran across State Street where he would collapse and found later, deceased. Goodwin got back to his car after Silva crossed the street. Goodwin left the gas station.