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A Nappanee man is charged in connection with the stabbing deathof his estranged girlfriend at Newmar Corp. in Nappanee on Wednesday.
Tony DeBattey, 40, of 102 Northside Apts., is charged with the murder of Elizabeth Hershberger, 27, of 1651 E. Market St., Nappanee.
Police said DeBattey came around 9 a.m. Wednesday to the plant where Hershberger worked and asked for directions to her work area. He then allegedly confronted her in Newmar's Plant Four and started an argument with her in front of co-workers, who tried to intervene as he allegedly stabbed her. It is reported that Hershberger tried to run away, but DeBattey allegedly caught her and stabbed her again.
According to police reports, witnesses began CPR on Hershberger immediately after the stabbing before EMS units arrived. Reports also indicate that DeBattey had blood on his clothes and hands when he was arrested.
Hershberger was taken to Elkhart General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:09 a.m.
Nappanee police arrested DeBattey when they arrived at the scene.
DeBattey is being held in Elkhart County Jail. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for today in Elkhart County Circuit Court.
Hershberger and DeBattey reportedly once lived together and apparently broke up this spring.
Hershberger's co-workers in the sewing area were sent home for the day Wednesday, and counselors were called in by the company, which employs about 600. Newmar, one of Nappanee's largest employers, produces motor homes and travel trailers.
Nappanee Police Department is handling the investigation. The Indiana State Police and Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene.
