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Although the body of a Middlebury woman was found in rural Kosciusko County, the case will be handled by authorities in Elkhart County.
"The circumstances surrounding Barbara Keim's death are still unfolding and the investigation is continuing," said Bill Wargo of the Elkhart County Prosecutor's Office.
The body of Keim, 42, of Middlebury, was found in a cornfield just south of Nappanee Aug. 7. Police believe Keim was kidnapped, bound with duct tape and then shot to death. Officials have not determined where the shooting occurred.
Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney Curtis Hill and Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney Steven Hearn discussed the case and agreed that Elkhart County will assume jurisdiction over the criminal proceedings involving the murder.
"We know a number of events in the same night that led to the discovery of Barbara Keim's body," said Wargo. "Mr. Hill and Mr. Hearn had a conversation (Aug. 7) and came to an agreement that Elkhart County would handle the criminal case. Because the crime originated in Elkhart County, that is who will have jurisdiction."
Three teens, including Keim's daughter Hannah L. Stone, 17, have been charged in the murder. Spencer A. Krempetz, 18, and Aaron D. McDonald, 17, also were charged in the case. They face charges of murder (a Class A felony), conspiracy to commit murder (a Class A felony) and criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon (a Class B felony). The murder charge carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 65 years. The conspiracy to commit murder charge carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 50 years and criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 20 years.
The teens are being held without bond in Elkhart County. All three teens will be tried at the same time beginning March 13.
