Prosecutor: Milan murder not a random act

VERSAILLES, Ind. (WISH) - Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel says the Dec. 30 murder of 68-year-old Nancy Hershman of Milan does not appear to be as random as once thought.

During an afternoon news conference in Versailles, Hertle told reporters one of the two juveniles arrested in the case was familiar with Hershman’s home, as the boy’s father did construction work on the home in 2012.

Police arrested three people in connection with the murder: 22-year-old Allison Moore and two 15-year-old boys.

According to the probable cause affadavit, Moore and the two juveniles broke into Hershman's home, planning to steal valuables. The 68-year-old was home at the time, and she confronted Moore. During the confrontation, Moore fired a .40-caliber handgun and shot the homeowner in the face. Hershman died at the scene. Her death was ruled a homicide the next day.

All three suspects were arrested in Ohio, where they currently live. Police said investigators were able to recover the gun, and Moore confessed to the shooting.

Prior to the Milan break-in and shooting, police said, the trio - along with another juvenile and adult - broke into a home in Cross Plains and robbed the person living there. All five suspects then went to Hershman's home. The Ripley County prosecutor said he is considering bringing charges against the fourth and fifth persons involved.

Moore faces one count of murder, one count of burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit murder. She is being held in Hamilton County, Ohio, as are the two 15-year-old suspects. Hertel said paperwork has been filed to bring all three suspects back to Indiana. He is also requesting the juveniles be waived to adult court.