Amanda Blackburn Case Update: Two Men Charged With Murder, Third Man Suspected Of Being An Accomplice

In the Amanda Blackburn murder case, three men have been arrested in connection to her death, two of whom have been charged with murder.

Amanda Blackburn Case

Larry Taylor, 18, and Jalen E. Watson, 21, were booked on murder, burglary and robbery charges, prosecutors said during a press conference on Monday, reported Fox News. Prosecutors also noted that Diano Gordon, a possible accomplice, was arrested and being held on an alleged parole violation.

Taylor, Watson and Gordon are alleged to have gone on a robbing spree the morning of Nov. 10 in Indianapolis, Ind. It’s suspected that prior to breaking into the Blackburn residence, they had robbed at least two other houses. While none of the other suspected robberies ended in violence, Blackburn ended up suffering a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

“We are thankful to our federal, state and local partnerships that aided in the apprehension of the suspect in this terrible and senseless crime,” IMPD Chief Rick Hite said in a statement following the arrests. “All victims of criminal homicides deserve closure, and as a community we must send a collective message that violence is not an option. Our detectives have worked tirelessly going days without sleep to solve murders in our city.”

Pastor Davey Blackburn, Amanda’s surviving husband, also released a statement upon learning about the suspects in his wife’s murder case.

“Though it does not undo the pain we are feeling, I was extremely relieved to get the news of the arrest made last night of Amanda’s killer,” Blackburn wrote. “The investigators have assured me they have a solidly-built case to ensure justice is levied and the process is expedited. The family and I couldn’t be more thankful for the level of compassion and professionalism the IMPD and investigators have shown us through the last couple of weeks.”

Blackburn went on to state that he is choosing forgiveness following his wife’s brutal death. “Today I am deciding to love, not hate. Today I am deciding to extend forgiveness, not bitterness,” he wrote. “Today I am deciding to hope, not despair. By Jesus’ power at work within us, the best is STILL yet to come. Even when I don’t see it, I believe it to be true.”

Taylor, who is accused of raping the pregnant Amanda Blackburn before shooting her, faces 13 charges in connection to her slaying. Watson faces nine charges. They have both entered not guilty pleas and have been assigned public defenders, reported ABC News.