Lawrenceburg Man Sentenced For His Role In A Woman's Suicide

William F. Skipton was sentenced in Dearborn County Court on Friday.

William F. Skipton (left) and Steven Melrose, Jr. Photos by Dearborn County Sheriff's Department.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A Lawrenceburg man will spend nearly 20 years in prison for his role in a Lawrenceburg woman's death. 

A woman was found dead on May 20 in a parking lot near The Levee Breaker Bar in downtown Lawrenceburg. She had been shot, but police were initially unsure whether the shooting was self-inflicted because the gun and shells were removed from the scene.

Through the investigation, police learned that William Ford Skipton had allegedly been the one to remove the weapon and shells, hiding them in the ceiling tiles of the bar. Steven Melrose, Jr. was the one to call 911 but he lied about the whereabouts of the gun. 

Skipton was ultimately charged in June with Assisting Suicide (level 5 felony), Carrying a Handgun Without a License (level 5 felony), Operating a Motor Vehicle After Forfeiture of License for Life (level 5 felony), and Obstruction of Justice (level 6 felony). 

Skipton pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Dearborn County Court on Friday to 18 years behind bars. 

Melrose, Jr., was sentenced earlier this to one year probation for false informing. 

RELATED STORIES: 

Friend, Bartender Charged For Hiding Weapon, Misleading Statements In Woman's Suicide

 

 

 

More from Local News


Events

Music on the River Starts Thursday, Street Closures Announced

Cash Unchained is first to hit the stage this season.

Genesis: Pathways to Success Announced DIY Woodworking Camp

Iron Timbers in Osgood will assists with the camp.

Six Miami Whitewater Students Receive Inaugural HCSO Character Award

The six award recipients recently graduated 5th grade.

Local Sports Report - June 2-3, 2023

Rising Sun baseball advanced in the state tournament and area runners competed at the Track & Field State Finals.

Local Sports Report - May 31, 2023

Rising Sun softball fell in a heart breaker in the regional round.

Bode, Cornett, Stang Earn All-State Honors

The standouts from Milan, South Dearborn and Franklin Co. put up video game-like stats this spring.

On Air

Travis Thayer playing
Old Dominion - Make It Sweet

Alan Jackson Chasing That Neon Rainbow 9:51
Tracy Byrd Ten Rounds Withn Jose Quervo 9:42
Darryl Worley Sounds Like Life To Me 9:39
Thomas Rhett Be A Light 9:36