Jury trial set for accused murder suspect who left body in dumpster
NORTH VERNON, Ind. (WISH) – The jury trial is set to begin Monday for a man accused of murder in Jennings County.
Jovonnie Mayes is charged in the death of 52-year-old Richard Smith.
His alleged accomplice, Jody Brooks, was found guilty of murder and auto theft in January of 2016.
Brooks is serving a 62-year-old prison sentence.
Police in North Vernon said they found Smith in a dumpster in October 2014.
Jennings County prosecutors said Brooks and Mayes robbed and beat Smith before dumping his body.
Mayes is facing charges of murder, robbery, abusing a corpse, and two counts of auto theft.