Jennings Co. Sheriff's Office Seeks Public Assistance in Unsolved Hit & Run Case

A North Vernon resident was struck and killed on State Road 3 in September of 2021.

(Jennings County, Ind.) - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Indiana State Police, is requesting the public's help in solving a tragic hit-and-run incident that occurred on September 30, 2021.

The incident took place on State Road 3 North near the Decatur County Line, where the body of Joseph T. Gill, a resident of North Vernon, was discovered along the roadside.

Initial investigations carried out by the Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction team, and State Police Crime Scene investigators unveiled that Gill had been walking southbound on State Road 3 during the early morning hours when he was fatally struck by a motor vehicle also traveling in the same direction.

The scene was meticulously processed and documented by the collaborating agencies. A comprehensive effort was made to piece together the events leading up to the incident, including conducting multiple interviews, analyzing footage from various surveillance camera systems, and utilizing data obtained from electronic technology in the vicinity.

Despite the exhaustive investigative measures taken and a wealth of information received from the public, the vehicle involved in the incident and its driver have not been definitively identified. Authorities believe that a vehicle passing through the area at the time might have been the vehicle responsible for striking Gill as he was walking in the dark. All endeavors to identify the specific vehicle have regrettably yielded no success thus far. This ongoing case remains active, with new leads being pursued as they emerge.

The Jennings County Sheriff's Office appeals to anyone who possesses viable information concerning this investigation to come forward and assist in bringing closure to this tragic incident. Members of the public who may have witnessed anything unusual in the vicinity of State Road 3 North near the Decatur County Line during the early morning hours of September 30, 2021, or who may have relevant information about the involved vehicle or its driver, are strongly encouraged to contact the Jennings County Sheriff's Office.

A new Detective has taken over this case and is asking for the communities help.

For those wishing to contribute to the investigation, please reach out to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office at 812-346-8642. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case and bringing justice to Gill and his grieving family.