Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Pleas of not guilty were entered on behalf of two suspects accused in the Dec. 29 attempted murders of two Claypool residents.
Fernando Ramos, 17, of 1314 S. Mary's Drive, Warsaw, and Eric David Shaw, 22, of 1103 S. Fisher Ave., Warsaw, appeared before Kosciusko Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer this morning for initial hearings. Charges of aggravated battery, a Class B felony; battery with a deadly weapon, a Class C felony; and carrying a handgun without a license, a Class A misdemeanor, were officially filed this morning against each of the defendants. The two were arrested on Thursday and charged with attempted murder, but authorities held off on filing official charges for a 72-hour investigative waiting period.
Bond was set at $200,000 surety for each suspect.
Gary Conley, 32, and Patsy Howard, 36, of 356 W. CR 900S, Claypool, were shot in their bed as they slept. A 911 call for help was made to police by Howard about 3:20 a.m. Dec. 29.
Howard was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital for a single gunshot wound to the lower right leg and released the same day. Conley was airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition and has since been upgraded to fair condition.
Kosciusko County Deputy Prosecutor Byron Tinkey said the charges filed against Ramos and Shaw are preliminary and could be changed before the two are brought to trial.
Officials said the shootings were a result of a cocaine deal between Conley and Ramos in which a quantity of cocaine allegedly came up missing. Police recovered 5 ounces of cocaine and two handguns in connection with the investigation. One of the handguns is believed to have been used in the Dec. 29 shooting and tests are being conducted to make that determination.
At least one more person is expected to be arrested in connection with this incident, officials said. Also, there is a possibility that Conley will face charges.
Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine said the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team was "very instrumental in solving the shooting at Claypool."
During interviews with family and friends of Conley, both Ramos' and Shaw's names came up, Rovenstine said, and, because members of the drug team were familiar with those individuals, officials were able to locate them quickly.
Police have not yet been able to talk with Conley because of his medical condition, but hope that interviews with him will help clear up unanswered questions.
Rovenstine said that although officials with the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have identified Ramos as an alleged gang member in another state, the shooting incident is not believed gang-related as much as drug-related.
Status hearings for both suspects were set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 22 to determine whether the defendants will have their own attorneys or will need the court to appoint one for them.
