Boone County police search for suspect who assaulted woman in Zionsville barn

By Heather Collins

An incident that led to a 911 call reporting two dead bodies in a barn March 17 turned out to be a physical and sexual assault, investigators said March 20, with the victim expected to recover.

Boone County Sheriff Mike Nielsen said that the homeowner, Helen Irene Fix, 76, and her caretaker left for their daily walk around the Fix property, 1545 S US 421, at approximately 4 p.m. March 17. During the walk, an unknown male wearing a ski mask and gloves approached them, according to the victim’s statement, and they believed he had a gun.

Nielsen said a physical assault on the caretaker began outside of the barn. Inside of the barn, the suspect sexually assaulted the caretaker. It was not until a relief caregiver arrived on the scene shortly before 6 p.m. that the relief caregiver discovered Fix and the unconscious caretaker. The relief caregiver immediately called 911.

Fix was not physically injured but did witness the incident. Due to a prior medical condition, Fix ins unable to communicate with law enforcement on any specifics of the crime.

“Our investigation leads us to believe, at this time, this is not a random act of violence,” Nielsen said.

The victim, a 41-year-old Hispanic female, sustained minor injuries from a rope being placed around her neck and from being struck in the head with an unknown object. The victim was treated and released from St. Vincent’s Hospital on March 18.

Boone County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Mike Beard said the suspect is described as a male who appeared on the property without knowledge of the caretaker.

The sheriff’s office believes this incident was a targeted attack. Officials are also investigating an alleged intimidation complaint that took place March 6 at the same residence. The sheriff’s office believes the two recent incidences may be connected.

“We’re doing everything we can to get you answers to say that we don’t have someone just walking up and down doing this.” Beard said at a press conference. “We feel that there is some connection to possible earlier involvement between that individual and another individual.”

Nielsen encouraged members of the community to continue to be aware of their surroundings.

“This isn’t the same safe Boone County that we’ve known for many years,” he said.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Office is requesting any person with any information about the case to contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office at 765-482-1412.