February 26, 2013
02/27/13 Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney David R. Holmes announced late today that a Grand Jury empaneled by Judge Robert O. Bowen of Marshall Superior Court 1 issued an indictment against 37 year old Olan Q. Howard (420 Alexander St.) charging Murder and Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance. It is alleged that Howard killed Stephen O. Vires of Argos, IN, on or about May 19, 2012 while committing or attempting to commit dealing in a scheduled I controlled substance. It is alleged the controlled substance was heroin and/or morphine.
Within hours of issuing the indictment, Howard was arrested by Plymouth Police Officer Derek Workman. Howard was lodged in the Marshall County Jail with a bond of $100,000. The case will be prosecuted in Marshall Superior Court 1 by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Nelson Chipman. Holmes and Chipman presented the case to the Grand Jury over the last two days.
Holmes reminds all readers that an indictment is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe Olan Howard committed it. Mr. Howard is presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and he is entitled to be represented by counsel and is entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
Judge Bowen has not yet scheduled Howard’s initial hearing or any other pre-trial proceedings.