Juveniles to be charged with attempted murder
Two men critical after being stabbed
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

In the early morning hours of Saturday, April 9, two men were the victims of a stabbing incident that reportedly took place at an apartment located above the Old Brick Tavern in Penntown.

Officers responded to a 911 call for help at approximately 1:24 a.m. When police arrived, the victims, Randy "Blake" Eyler, 20 and Andrew Matthews, also 20, had already been taken by private vehicles to Margaret Mary Community Hospital, Batesville, and the apartment was abandoned, according to Sgt. Marvin Smith of the Ripley County Sheriff's Department. Both were occupants of the apartment located at 8969 E. CR 1300 N.

Further investigation revealed that a party had been in full swing shortly before officers arrived at the scene. "We believe alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors in the incident," noted Sgt. Smith, who further stated that there were nearly 30 people at the party, mostly juveniles.

Both Eyler and Matthews had received stab wounds to their chests by a male juvenile during a physical altercation, possibly arguing over another juvenile, a female. One of the female juveniles at the party was reportedly the ex-girlfriend of a male who was attending the party.

The suspect was located at a residence in Hidden Valley Lake by HVL deputies and officers from the Dearborn County Sheriff's Department. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Dearborn County Juvenile Detention Center.

Eyler was transported from MMCH to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he was initially listed in critical condition. Matthews was taken from MMCH to University Hospital in Cincinnati and listed in serious condition. As of noon on Monday, both men were upgraded to fair condition.

According to Sgt. Smith, the suspect is being charged with two attempted murder charges, both A felonies. He further noted that the inves
tigation is far from over and there are more suspects and additional charges in the making.

Sgt. Smith is the investigating officer and was assisted at the scene by Captain David Pippin and Reserve Deputy Dale Holbert and other officers from the Ripley County Sheriff's Department. Also assisting were Milan Police Officers Gary Skaggs and Daniel Craig and officers from the Indiana State Police and Batesville Police Department.

Sheriff Bill Davison stated the officers involved did an "outstanding job" in the investigation that required a lot of attention to small details.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Occupants of the apartment located at the top of the staircase above The Old Brick Tavern in Penntown, were both taken to city hospitals Saturday, after they received chest wounds from being stabbed. Officers say they have a juvenile suspect in custody and attempted murder charges are being filed. Additional suspects and charges are in the making after a number of juveniles attended a party held at the apartment where alcohol and/or drugs were believed to be a factor in the incident.