Max Sentence Issued to Vevay Man Convicted of Murder, Animal Torture

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 7:17 AM

By Switzerland County Prosecutor's Office, news release X @eagle993

The conviction stems from a brutal stabbing in March 2025.

(Vevay, Ind.) - Switzerland Circuit Judge, W. Gregory Coy, issued a maximum sentence to a Vevay man recently convicted of murder and animal torture.

Judge Coy sentenced convicted killer, Ryan S. Uopasarn, age 32, to 65 years in Indiana Prison for the brutal stabbing of the Defendant’s father in late March 2025.

In addition to the murder sentence, the Judge also issued a second maximum sentence for the torture and mutilation of four small dogs. Uopasarn will now serve a total of 67.5 years incarceration.

At the hearing, Switzerland County Prosecutor Ryan M. Marshall and Ryan K. Bland argued that a maximum sentence was necessary in light of the Defendant’s heinous crimes.

The Court also heard statements from family members of the victim, who joined the State in its request for accountability. In a written letter, a family member of the victim told the Court:

“Ryan made choices. Those choices were not accidents. They were not forced upon him. They were conscious decisions that ended a life - the life of his own father. The seriousness of those choices demands a serious response. When a life is taken, when a family is shattered, the consequences must reflect the gravity of that harm. A sentence that minimizes the permanence of this loss would compound it. A sentence that allows for early release would prolong our anxiety and undermine any sense of closure we might one day find.”

Judge Coy listened to their statement and issued his ruling immediately from the bench after acknowledging the work of the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, and everyone involved throughout the process.

Switzerland County Prosecutor Ryan Marshall commented on the sentence:

“There is no doubt Judge Coy’s ruling made Switzerland County safer by removing one of the most violent offenders in its history. As expected, this sentence was thoughtful, appropriate, and rendered fairly. While no prison sentence can ever bring back a life taken by another’s violence, this sentence keeps other innocent people from ever experiencing that trauma at the hands of this defendant. We thank the Court for its swift justice and wish the family peace as they move through something so awful.”

RELATED: Vevay Man Convicted of Murder, Mutilating Animals

More from Local News

Events

UPDATE: Tractor Trailer Accident Impacting NKY Traffic

The accident happened in the Erlanger area.

Congresswoman Houchin Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Indiana’s Ninth District.

Windy Conditions Expected Friday

Wind gusts of 50 mph are possible.

IBCA Announces Academic All-State Teams

Individual and team recognition.

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Billy Currington - We Are Tonight

Tracy Lawrence My Second Home 14:23
Steve Wariner I'm Already Taken 14:20
Rascal Flatts Back to Us 14:16
Chris Young Young Love And Saturday Nights 14:10