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Chief: homicide probe awaiting autopsy and toxicology results; department cites investigative resources
Summary
Chief Dan Melanes told the commission the homicide investigation tied to the "high dive" remains active and may take up to "60 plus days" for autopsy and toxicology results; he defended the local homicide team's resources and said the department preferred to keep the investigation local.
Chief Dan Melanes updated the commission on the ongoing investigation related to the "high dive," saying the homicide unit is working with forensic and pathologist reports that can take "anywhere, up to 60 plus days" to return.
"From the autopsy... those can take anywhere up to 60 plus days to get back," Melanes said, noting toxicology and other components lengthen the timeline. He told commissioners investigators are close but still awaiting key forensic results and that the department must be patient with the process.
Melanes also addressed why the department had not turned the investigation over to the Indiana State Police, saying his priority is ensuring "the best investigation done possible" with the most resources and most experienced investigators. He cited his homicide team's high solve rate as a reason to keep the case local and said the department would release recorded material when legally permitted.
No new action or transfer of the investigation was announced; the chief said the department will continue investigative work and communicate updates when more information is available.
