Indiana 2013

Sentenced to death in Floyd County (by a jury brought from Dearborn County), Indiana

By: a jury

Date of crime:  4/12

Prosecution’s case/defense response: Christina Whitis, a 75-year-old family friend, came to Gibson’s house to comfort him following his mother’s death. He sexually assaulted her and then beat her to death and mutilated her body. The defense presented evidence that Gibson suffered from bipolar disorder and two personality disorders. Gibson was also charged with the murders of two other women, one of whose body was found buried in his back yard.

Sources: Evening News and The Tribune (Jeffersonville, Ind.) 10/25/13, 10/29/13, 11/27/13.

Sentenced to death in Lake County, Indiana

By: a jury

Date of Crime: August 2007

Prosecution’s Case/Defense Response: Isom was convicted of killing his wife, Cassandra (age 40) and his stepchildren Michael Moore (age 16) and Ci’Andre Cole (age 13).  Isom had recently lost his job and told police that his wife had threatened to leave him.  The defense argued that Isom was struck unconscious by the real killer.

Sources: 2/8/2013 AP Alert – IN 2/8/13; Merrillville (Ind.) Post-Tribune 2/7/13.

Sentenced to death in Clark County (after a change of venue from Vanderburgh County) Indiana

By: a jury

Date of crime:  4/10/10

Prosecution’s case/defense response: Weisheit set fire to his home while his fiancée’s 2 children—8-year-old Alyssa Lynch and 5-year-old Caleb Lynch—were inside. Weisheit had bound Caleb with duct tape. The children died of smoke inhalation. The defense presented mitigation evidence that Weisheit suffered from bipolar disorder.

Sources: Evansville Courier (Ind.) 7/12/13.