Murder suspects burn body, family speaks out

MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) - In the arms of her husband, Nicole Guffey wept at the location where Muncie Police discovered a body on fire. Guffey believes that victim found near Craddock Wetlands Nature Preserve is her aunt, Tonya Ingram.

“My aunt was loving and she was kind,” Guffey said. “She didn’t have to go through this. She was a good person.”

Terry Rutledge is being held on murder charges.

Regina Miller and Antowyn Warren are both being held on preliminary charges of assisting with the crime. Guffey, who says her aunt leaves behind three children, wants the max for all accused.

“I think they all should rot in jail,” she said fighting tears. “They all need to be charged with murder … they can’t get away with this.”

Detective George Hopper says his department is waiting for an autopsy to release the victim's identity. The autopsy results should be released Monday. Hopper called the crime horrific and said all three suspects have “been arrested before.”

"Murder is bad enough but when you try to light a person on fire to get rid of evidence (it) is really horrific,” Hopper said.

Meanwhile, as Guffey copes with the loss of her aunt a picture taken on Thanksgiving gives a bit of comfort.

It's the last photo Guffey snapped of her 40-year-old aunt. Guffey says she remembers that day vividly.

“I remember her smiling,” Guffey said.

Smiling is how she wants to remember her loved one.