16-year-old charged with stabbing two victims
Juvenile to be tried as adult
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The defendant's past criminal history and the seriousness of the crime, were two deciding factors in Richard "Ricky" Oldfield Jr., Lawrenceburg, being tried as an adult.

The 16-year-old will stand trial as an adult for stabbing two male victims on April 9. The incident took place above the Old Brick Tavern in Penntown. Two 20-year old men, Randy Eyler and Andrew Mathews were taken to hospitals for injuries they sustained in the incident. According to Ripley Publishing Co. files, a party had been going on at the apartment where officers said alcohol and/or drugs were a factor.

Nearly four hours of testimony were heard in Ripley County Circuit Court on Tuesday, April 26, before the ruling was made.

Prosecuting Attorney Ric Hertel, presented sufficient evidence that it was not in the best interest of the safety and welfare of the community that Oldfield Jr. remain in the juvenile system. He further argued that the juvenile should be tried as an adult and be dealt with by the adult criminal justice system, due to the fact he was at least 16-years old when the offense took place, the offense was a Class A or B Felony, and that probable cause existed that he (Oldfield) committed the acts. The prosecutor noted that these are requirements set forth by the legislature.

Ripley County Sheriff's Department Captain David Pippin discussed the facts in court and told how Oldfield came to stab two people outside the apartment on April 9. He also testified to the injuries the victims received (stab wounds to the chest area) and how the investigation is progressing.

Ripley County Juvenile Probation Officer Fran Moore, testified for the state, telling about Oldfield's past criminal history in Dearborn County.

The defense presented witnesses that included probation officers from Dearborn County, Oldfield's employer and mother.

The court noted that this was the most serious crime committed by a juvenile in Ripley County in many years.

According to information from the prosecutor's office, Oldfield's initial hearing as an adult will take place in Ripley County Circuit Court on May 2, at 10:00 a.m. He will be read the formal charges and bail will be set at that time. A trial date will also be set.