Full Notification

Update to Double Murder in Salem-Arrest Made

Salem-Today at approximately 5:50 pm, detectives from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg arrested Joe P. Hambel, 29, from 1023 Aspen Drive in Salem. He was charged with Murder, Two Counts, for the deaths of Valerie E. Dicus and Joseph R. Hobson. The victims were located this morning at the place they were residing at 304 Small Street in Salem, IN, unresponsive, they were later pronounced dead at the St. Vincent’s Hospital in Salem.

Autopsies were completed this morning on the victims at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, KY. Valerie E. Dicus died of a single gunshot wound and Joseph R. Hobson died of multiple gunshot wounds. These results are preliminary and the final autopsy results will not be made available until Toxicology results are determined which usually takes six to eight weeks to be completed.   

**Media Note**

This is all the information that can and will be released at this time. A picture of Joe P. Hambel is attached to this release.

All Subjects are Innocent Until and Unless Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Below are the events that led to this new press release.

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Sgt. Jerry D. Goodin

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Indiana State Police-Salem City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are Investigating a Double Murder in Salem

Salem-Today at around 12:45 am, a 911 call came into the Washington County/Salem City Dispatch of two unresponsive people in a residence at 304 Small Street in Salem. Officers rushed to the scene and found the two unresponsive victims. Officers immediately called for Emergency Medical Services who responded and transported both victims to the St. Vincent’s Hospital in Salem, where they were pronounced dead. The victims are, Valerie E. Dicus, 37, from the above address and Joseph R. Hobson, 36, who had been residing at the above address.

Investigators believe foul play is involved and the cause of death will not be determined until autopsies are completed at the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville, KY. Those autopsies are scheduled to take place today.

The Salem City Police Department requested assistance from Indiana State Police Detectives and Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators who responded to the scene.

Indiana State Police Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance. Anyone with information related to this crime are asked to call 1-800-872-6743 or outside of Indiana at 812-246-5424. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Washington County Prosecutor and the Washington County Coroner are assisting in the investigation.

**Media Note**

A photo of the residence where the deceased victims were found is attached to this release.

Further information will be released when it becomes available.

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Sgt. Jerry D. Goodin