Three Amanda Blackburn murder suspects are in custody as the gruesome details of the killing of a pastor's pregnant wife unfold in Indianapolis.
Police said early Monday that they arrested 18-year-old Larry Taylor on a
preliminary murder charge, The Indianapolis Star reported.
Two other men — 21-year-old Jalen Watson and 24-year-old Diano Gordan — are in custody and
being held on parole violations, according to Fox 59. The three men reportedly call themselves "The Kill Gang," police told the television station.
Authorities believe the three men entered the Blackburn home through an unlocked door the morning of Nov. 10 after Davey Blackburn, a pastor at Resonate Church, left to go to the gym, leaving behind wife Amanda and the couple's 1-year-old son. Law enforcement sources told Fox 59 they believe two of the men left with Amanda Blackburn's ATM card to retrieve money, while Taylor stayed behind, allegedly raping her and then shooting her in the head.
The 28-year-old, who was reportedly 12 weeks pregnant, died two days later, according to The Star. The couple's 1-year-old son Weston was unharmed.
Davey Blackburn issued a statement about the apprehension of the alleged killers on Monday.
"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," he said. "The investigators have assured me they have a solidly-built case to ensure justice is levied and the process is expedited."
"Though everything inside of me wants to hate, be angry, and slip into despair I choose the route of forgiveness, grace, and hope," he continued. "If there is one thing I've learned from Amanda in the 10 years we were together, it's this: Choosing to let my emotions drive my decisions is recipe for a hopeless and fruitless life. Today I am deciding to love, not hate."
According to Fox 59, the suspects are facing charges for additional crimes as well, including a previous rape and at least three other burglaries.
"We are thankful to our federal, state, and local partnerships that aided in the apprehension of the suspect in this terrible and senseless crime," Indianapolis Metro Police Chief Rick Hite said in a statement, according to The Star. "All victims of criminal homicides deserve closure, and as a community we must send a collective message that violence is not an option."
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