Wilcoxson found guilty in Zionsville murder

0

On Feb. 21, Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Kent Eastwood announced Judge Matthew Kincaid found 23-year-old Indianapolis resident Damoine Wilcoxson guilty of the murder of John Clements, an 82-year-old Zionsville resident.

The two-day bench trial began Feb. 19 in Boone Superior Court I and lasted until around 3 p.m. Feb. 20.

Wilcoxson front
Wilcoxson

Clements was gunned down Sept. 28, 2016 with a high-caliber weapon while checking his mail at his Zionsville home, 685 Terrace Dr. Without a clear motive or suspect, police deemed the shooting random.

Within weeks of the Zionsville attack, two drive-by shootings occurred on the northwest side of Indianapolis targeting Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept. headquarters. Through DNA and forensic evidence, the attacks were tied to Wilcoxson, who was apprehended after a six-hour SWAT standoff where he fired at police. He was convicted of both shootings Dec. 4, 2017.

The prosecution for the Zionsville murder, led by Deputy Prosecutor T.K. Morris, co-counsel Eric Ping and Zionsville Police Dept. Det. Josh Samuelson, used forensic evidence to prove the shell casings connected to the murder of Clements matched the shell casings from the Marion County shootings and Wilcoxson was in possession of the corresponding murder weapon when apprehended.

“We really pared down the evidence,” Eastwood said. “With four different crime scenes, we identified approximately 240 pieces of evidence we intended to introduce.”

Additionally, the prosecution used Wilcoxson’s cellphone records to place him at the scene of the crime. At the time of the murder, his phone pinged a cell tower 1/10th of a mile from the crime scene.

Wilcoxson’s defense attorney, William Hawkins of Indianapolis, argued there were no direct eyewitnesses, making the evidence circumstantial.

Deputy Prosecutor T.K. Morris said the inter-agency cooperation was crucial and praised the investigative team and law enforcement for their efforts in a highly complicated case with four crime scenes, a large amount of evidence and more than 50 witnesses.

Eastwood commended ZPD and IMPD and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for their involvement in the investigation and ultimate conviction.

“The Clements family and The town of Zionsville were rocked by the senseless broad daylight shooting of Mr. Clements,” Eastwood said. “Hopefully, this verdict will help heal this heartbreaking loss.”

Sentencing for Wilcoxson is set for 9 a.m. March 22. He faces 45 to 65 years in prison, on top of the 37 years he is serving for the Marion County shootings.


Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Share.

Current Morning Briefing Logo

Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

Select list(s) to subscribe to



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact