But Tuesday, the first day of a murder trial for Jonathon Mattix, Dawn Kovach's sometimes estranged family came for one of their own.   “She was missing her eyes and her left cheek was sunken in,” wrote Allen County Deputy Coroner Investigator Jeffrey McCracken in a probable cause affidavit submitted two days after she was found. As a medicolegal death investigator, he also identified three holes in her lower neck area.

This week, Williams faced a jury for the second murder he’s accused of committing, that of Vanessa Brabson, 34 at the time of her death. He was found guilty of murder and drug dealing after the jury spent about seven hours deliberating the case. 

It was just before noon. The two retirees, partners now for half a century, were taking care of emails and enjoying the beautiful day when the startling knock came at the door. “We’re here to take your marijuana plant,” the lead trooper told Burden who answered the door. Burden looked outside and took in three unmarked Indiana State Police vehicles - a black F-150 and two silver Dodge Chargers - as he tried to collect himself.