ALBION — A Goshen man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering North Webster teenager Laurel Jean Mitchell in 1975.

    Laurel Jean Mitchell
  

During a one-day bench trial on Oct. 7, Fred Bandy Jr., 69, Goshen, was found guilty of first degree murder by Noble Circuit Court Judge Michael Kramer.
At Bandy's sentencing in Noble Circuit Court on Tuesday, defense attorney James Abbs said Bandy intends to seek an appeal.
On Aug. 6, 1975, Mitchell, 17, was dropped off at Epworth Forest Church Camp to work her shift at a snack bar. Around 10 p.m. that night, after her shift had ended, she was seen walking in Epworth Forest to meet her friends at Adventureland Amusement Park on the north side of North Webster. This was the last time Mitchell was seen alive.
Around 4:16 a.m. Aug. 7, 1975, a missing person report with the Indiana State Police was filed for Mitchell. At 10:30 a.m. that same day, two fishermen discovered Mitchell's body in the Elkhart River.
An autopsy was performed on Mitchell, which revealed she had made "a violent struggle to survive." Her cause of death was ruled to be drowning.
All the clothing and belongings found on Mitchell's body at the time of her death were preserved for testing, including shoes, a sweatshirt, bra, underwear, silver jewelry and blue jeans that were inside out, unbuttoned and unzipped.
Recent testing of these items led authorities to Bandy and John W. Lehman, 69, Auburn, as well as years of testimony from those who know the men.
Mitchell's clothing was resubmitted for DNA testing in 2019. In February 2020, a Certificate of Analysis was generated by the ISP Laboratory Division that showed a male DNA profile was developed from the clothing.
On Dec. 5, 2022, a voluntary DNA sample was collected from Bandy and submitted to the ISP Laboratory Division. Results were received by authorities on Jan. 13, 2023, in a Certificate of Analysis that revealed Bandy was 13 billion times more likely to be the contributor of the DNA found in Mitchell's clothing than any other unknown person.
Review of ISP records also disclosed Bandy was driving a 1971 "Olds" at the time, which is consistent with eyewitness statements from area residents on the night of the murder.
Lehman was sentenced on Oct. 11 to eight years in the Indiana Department of Correction for conspiracy to commit murder, a Class A felony.
At Bandy's sentencing Tuesday, Mitchell's sister, Sarah Knisley, gave a victim impact statement while sitting only several feet away from Bandy.
"Your Honor, I would like you to know that the actions of Fred Bandy Jr. on Aug. 6, 1975, caused a far-reaching and wide ripple of pain and fear through my family, our extended families, friends and the entire town of North Webster," said Knisley. "Mr. Bandy killed my sister and tore my family apart. My parents passed away in 2012 and never knew what happened that night."
Knisley said after hearing Lehman's testimony about the murder, she wished she didn't know either.
"(Fred) brutally killed a young woman with her whole life ahead of her," said Knisley. "The fact that he enjoyed it makes it that much worse. He caused me to have nightmares for decades. He also killed a way of life that kids today aren't able to enjoy. He ruined Mayberry. I believe if Mr. Bandy is ever released from custody, he will be a threat to any young girl he encounters. I am asking you to give Mr. Bandy the maximum sentence allowable."
Noble County Prosecutor James Mowery said Bandy indicated his DNA was planted as evidence in Mitchell's clothing.
"That best can be described as vile fiction inflicting more cruelty on the family of Laurel Jean Mitchell," said Mowery.
Mowery said the death sentence was not applicable to Bandy's case due to its timeframe and requested Kramer give Bandy a sentence of life in prison.
"He owes this community a huge debt for Laurel's death," said Mowery.
Bandy did not give a statement in court.
"Forty-nine years have passed where you have got to live out your life," said Kramer to Bandy. "You took pieces of many people's lives by taking Laurel's life. You did think about Laurel because on one occasion you bragged about what you did to her. You have a perverted, disgusting way in your mind about her."
Kramer also noted three prior child molesting convictions Bandy has, with the charges stemming from incidents in 2001 and 2015.
"At least those children got to live ... be with their families for support," said Kramer. "Laurel Jean Mitchell never got the chance to fully live."
After the sentencing, Knisley said she felt relieved.
"It's been a long road," said Knisley, who described Bandy's allegation of DNA planting as "ludicrous."
Knisley's favorite memory of Mitchell is of her ballet performances.
"She was kind of a klutz, but she could dance," said Knisley.