This past Wednesday afternoon, the Indiana State Police held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis to honor members of the department from around the state for their dedication to service, bravery and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana.
Trooper Detective Brad Stille and Detective Sergeant Josh Goodman of the Linton Police Department were recognized in regards to the events surrounding the following investigation;
On June 7th, 2013, members of the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division from the Bloomington District were called to assist the Linton Police Department with a case involving a missing 19 year old female. Detective Bradley Stille took an ever increasing interest and role in the case as it was determined the missing girl had been murdered.
On the evening of June 5th, 2013, 19 year old Katelyn Wolfe met with two male acquaintances that drove her to a remote location in Western Greene County with plans to rape and kill her. Katelyn fought her attackers, but was unsuccessful in her defensive efforts. The perpetrators battered, tied, taped and handcuffed Katelyn all of which subsequently killed her. Her body was then tossed into a nearby strip mine pit body of water for nobody to find.
On June 6th, 2013 Katelyn Wolfe was reported missing to the Linton Police Department of which Detective Sergeant Josh Goodman was assigned as the lead investigator. After Katelyn was reported missing, investigators began looking into her recent behavior. Investigators made contact with several individuals who had been in recent contact with Katelyn but two individuals did not respond when investigators tried contacting them.
Investigators finally made contact with those two individuals after several attempts to reach them by phone had failed. A consented search of the owner’s vehicle revealed a small amount of a green plant material which was sufficient for the vehicle to be impounded. Later this vehicle was searched thoroughly after obtaining a search warrant and the vehicle revealed numerous items of evidence related to Katelyn’s death including a partial roll of duct tape and blood.
The owner of the vehicle was arrested at his home on an outstanding arrest warrant. During a pat down a handcuff key was found in his pants pocket. This handcuff key was slightly different in size than that of a normal handcuff key and was later matched to the handcuff’s that were found on the body of Katelyn Wolfe.
Members of the Indiana State Police, Linton Police Department, Indiana Conservation Officers, Jasonville Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office were involved in the investigation of Katelyn’s death, which led to the arrest and prosecution of both suspects.
In December of 2013 and February of 2014, both suspects pled guilty to Katelyn’s murder in the Greene County Superior Court. Both defendants were sentenced to 81 years incarceration.
Detective Trooper Brad Stille and Detective Sergeant Josh Goodman’s professionalism and dedication to duty during this case were kept in the finest traditions of law enforcement and reflected great credit upon them, the Indiana State Police and the Linton Police Department.
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Photo 1 - Detective Trooper Bard Stille, ISP
Photo 2 - Detective Sgt. Josh Goodman, LPD
