Monticello man charged with two counts of murder

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WISH) - David Rodenbarger, a 20-year-old Monticello man, was formally charged with two counts of murder Tuesday after he admitted to killing his mother and sister Saturday morning .

According to a probable cause affidavit, Rodenbarger admitted to killing his mother, Michelle Haskins, 41, and a half-sister, Jillian Haskins, 6, with two pronged meat forks and a knife.

The murders took place Saturday inside the family's Monticello home.  An autopsy found the little girl had also suffered from blunt force trauma to her head.

Before Michelle Haskins died, she called 911 and told dispatchers she and her daughter had been stabbed.

When police arrived at the home, they found the two bodies, along with what appeared to be the murder weapons. 

They also found David Rodenbarger.  Police say his clothing and his hands were stained with blood.

“What I can tell you is it is an extraordinary case for any community” said White County Prosecutor Bob Guy.  “No matter what happens when someone gets killed, especially a young child  whose life is taken, it s a terrible tragedy  for all.”

Guy says he will consider the option of pursuing the death penalty in this case or life without parole.  Rodenbarger is being held without bond.  The prosecutor wouldn’t comment on why Rodenbarger killed his mom and step sister.

Viewing for the Haskins was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.  The funeral will take place Wednesday.