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Illegal immigrant who committed murder for hire in Indiana to remain behind bars, thanks to Attorney General Todd Rokita’s appeals team

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An illegal immigrant who killed another man in Columbus, Indiana, in exchange for $3,200 must continue serving a 55-year sentence after Attorney General Todd Rokita’s legal team prevailed at the Indiana Court of Appeals.

“Our office works hard to keep Hoosiers and their loved ones safe from a wide array of wrongdoers, ranging from white-collar crimes to outright killers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “A big part of that work includes keeping dangerous lawbreakers off the street through our handling of criminal appeals. In this case, we’re dealing with someone who broke our laws from the very start by entering our country illegally. Then, as happens far too often, this offender proceeded to commit a violent crime.”

The killer, Eliel Avelar, appealed, asking the appellate court to review his sentence. He argued that his mental health issues called for a lower sentence. The appellate court did not find this persuasive.

“[H]e does not explain how these mental health issues render his sentence inappropriate,” the Indiana Court of Appeals stated in its ruling

The court also found that his immigration status did not reflect well on his character. “Moreover, Avelar ignores that he was in the United States illegally,” the court stated. The court cited past precedent affirming that a “defendant’s unlawful immigration status is a valid aggravating factor because it demonstrates a disregard for the law.”

In 2020, Avelar agreed to accept $2,000 from another man who wanted someone to harm his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. Two weeks after agreeing to physically harm the new boyfriend, Avelar went beyond the agreement and murdered Leobardo Flores, fatally shooting him.

Avelar then demanded and received more money for the slaying — to the tune of another $1,200.

Three others confessed to playing roles in the crime.

The Court of Appeals decision is attached.

Hoosier History Highlights

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June 16 – June 22

This Week in Indiana History
Omar Bundy

June 17, 1861 Omar Bundy, U.S. Army general (Spanish-American War in Cuba), born in New Castle.

June 22, 1814 James Henry Lane, U.S. General during Civil War (Union) and Senator (Kansas), born in Lawrenceburg.

James Lane
John Dillinger June 22, 1903 John Dillinger Notorious American bank robber, born in Indianapolis.

June 22, 1922 Bill Blass, American fashion designer (dressed former First Lady, Nancy Reagan) born in Fort Wayne.

 Bill Blass
Lacy Goranson June 22, 1973 Lacy Goranson, actress (Becky-Roseanne), born in Evansville,

Our Where in Indiana? from last week was taken in Evansville, of the Vanderburgh county courthouse.

Vanderburgh  

Where in Indiana?

Do you know where this photograph was taken?

Visit us on Instagram to submit your answer.

June 16

Follow us on Instagram: @instatehousetouroffice

Indiana Statehouse Tour Office

Indiana Department of Administration

Guided Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are offered Monday through Saturday.  For more information, contact us.

(317) 233-5293
Estanley@idoa.in.gov

Statehouse Virtual Tour

Indiana Quick Quiz

1. Who is the Indiana University swimmer who won 4 individual medals and 3 relay medals at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany?

2. Who is the Evansville native who is a five-time Olympic medalist?

3. Who is the Indiana University swimmer who won 2 gold medals   (800 freestyle and 200 butterfly) at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome?

4. Who is the Indiana University diver who won two Big Ten titles and five NCAA titles, as well as a gold medal at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo?

Answers Below

For more activities

             in IN

https://www.visitindiana.com/

Answers

1. Mark Spitz

2. Lilly King

3. Michael Troy

4. Ken Sitzberger

quotes

If you can do no good, at least do no harm.

Kurt Vonnegut, American writer and humorist

Please send your favorite Hoosier quote to: RegEdwards@idoa.in.gov

IDEM Forecasts Air Quality Action Day for Sunday in Four Indiana Regions

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has forecasted an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) for Sunday, June 16, 2024, for parts of Indiana:

Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange) in the following areas:

  • Central/East Central Indiana, including the cities of: Bloomington, Brookville, Columbus, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Greensburg, Kokomo, Lebanon, Martinsville, Muncie, Richmond and all other cities within the area.
  • Southeast Indiana, including the cities of: Brownstown, Corydon, Jeffersonville, Madison, New Albany, Salem, Versailles and all other cities within the area.
  • Southwest Indiana, including the cities of: Bedford, Bloomfield, Evansville, Huntingburg, Mount Vernon, Paoli, Princeton, Rockport, Tell City, Vincennes and all other cities within the area.
  • Western/West Central Indiana, including the cities of: Crawfordsville, Covington, Delphi, Fowler, Greencastle, Lafayette, Newport, Monticello, Spencer, Sullivan, Terre Haute and all other cities within the area.

High temperatures are expected to reach the lower 90’s tomorrow. Light and variable winds combined with sunny skies and low humidity may lead to ozone levels that reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) range in these areas.

IDEM forecasted Air Quality Action Days indicate anticipated higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter only. Other factors may affect overall air quality.

Hoosiers can visit SmogWatch.IN.gov to:

Air Quality Action Days generally occur when weather conditions such as light winds, hot and dry air, stagnant conditions, wildfire smoke, industrial fires or lower atmospheric inversions trap pollutants close to the ground. IDEM forecasted Air Quality Action Days indicate anticipated higher levels of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter only. Other factors may affect overall air quality.

Air Quality Action Days are in effect from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (24-hours) on the specified dates. Some municipalities have additional open burning restrictions on AQADs. For more information, see idem.IN.gov/openburning/laws-and-rules. 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

 

 

 

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

HOT JOBS

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Otters fall in Saturday series opener

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AUGUSTA, NJ. – The Evansville Otters dropped the series opener Saturday against the Sussex County Miners 8-3 at Skylands Stadium. A rainout yesterday pushed the first game of the set back to tonight while the makeup date for the missed contest is tabbed for tomorrow.

The Otters (11-20) fought back once in the game, but when the Miners (11-19) took their second lead of the game, it was also the final lead change.

Sussex jumped on the board first in the second inning with a trio of runs, highlighted by three RBI singles.

Evansville answered in the fourth, matching the Miners score.

After David Mendham led off with an error, Randy Bednar singled and Pavin Parks roped an RBI double to right-center field which plated a run. Jomar Reyes notched a fielder’s choice RBI, and Anthony Clarco tied the game at three with a deep sacrifice fly to center.

The knotted game was broken up in the fifth inning. After a two out walk, Braden Scott (0-5) surrendered a two-run homer to make it 5-3. The Miners added another three runs in the eighth inning to finalize the scoring.

The Evansville southpaw starter tossed in six full innings. He gave up five runs on six hits with eight strikeouts and four walks. Grif Hughes came out of the bullpen and was the only Otter to not give up a run, striking out three and allowing just a hit-by-pitch in one inning.

Offensively, the Otters tallied six hits. Parks and Bednar each registered two.

Evansville will continue their series against the Sussex County Miners tomorrow in a twin bill. The first pitch of the doubleheader is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT. Coverage is available on the Otters Digital Network and FloBaseball.

Henriques selected as USI Executive Director for Student Success

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Dr. David Henriques has been selected as Executive Director for Student Success, effective Monday, July 1. He will report to Troy Miller, Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management.

In this role, Henriques will provide strategic leadership and vision for University Division to enhance student success, retention and graduation rates at USI. He will lead a team of full-time staff, senior administrative assistants, graduate assistants and undergraduate student employees in the Center for Exploring Majors, the four undergraduate advising centers, Academic Skills and Career Counseling.

Henriques served in various faculty and administrative roles supporting student equity, transition, belonging, success, persistence and retention, and campus-wide academic advising programs. He has significant experience in advocating for, implementing, designing and teaching within first-year experience programs. Additionally, he has led programs for undeclared students, placement testing, career exploration and academic coaching.

Most recently, Henriques served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Academic Advisement and Student Development at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He also served as the Coordinator of the Exploratory Program and the Director of Academic Advising. His research interests include academic advising, student resiliency, learning communities, first-year and first-generation students, student-athletes and programs for undecided/undeclared students.

Henriques earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and his master’s degree in clinical psychology, both from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a master’s degree in adult education and a doctorate in higher education administration, both from Widener University.  In his free time, he gardens, reads about wellness and self-improvement, frequents the gym and spends time with his four children.

IU Swimming & Diving: Olympic Team Trials Updates

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Three Hoosiers advanced from Saturday’s preliminary heats and will swim again during the evening session.

  • Josh Matheny posted the second-best time in the 100-meter breaststroke with a 59.34, just one tenth of a second behind top qualifier Nic Fink.
  • Despite coming in as the No. 15 seed, Anna Peplowski finished tied-for-seventh in the 400-meter freestyle heats to sneak into the final.
  • Cody Miller also qualified for the 100 breast semifinal, placing 12th in 1:00.45.

Results

Women’s 400-meter freestyle

  • T7. Anna Peplowski – 4:09.87 (Qualified for Final, Personal Best)

Men’s 100-meter breaststroke

  • 2. Josh Matheny – 59.34 (Qualified for Semifinal)
  • 12. Cody Miller – 1:00.45 (Qualified for Semifinal)
  • 24. Jassen Yep – 1:01.15
  • 25. Maxwell Reich – 1:01.18
  • T39. Luke Barr – 1:01.95 (Personal Best)

Men’s 400-meter freestyle

  • 17. Michael Brinegar – 3:51.53 (Personal Best)
  • 20. Mason Carlton – 3:55.92

Next Session: Saturday, June 15 Finals (7:45 p.m. ET)

  • Women’s 400-meter freestyle final (Peplowski)
  • Men’s 100-meter breaststroke final (Matheny, Miller)

 

Indiana Swimmers, Divers to Compete at U.S. Olympic Team Trials

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Forty athletes will represent the Indiana swimming and diving program at U.S. Olympic Team Trials between June 15-23, seeking qualification for the 2024 Paris Games.

Information

Thirty-one Hoosiers will compete in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in Indianapolis, June 15-23. For the first time ever, the event will be staged on a football field as Lucas Oil Stadium plays host to the qualifying event. Tickets are on sale here.

Indiana University is the proud sponsor of Student Night at swim trials on Thursday, June 20, as fans with a valid student ID can enjoy discounted prices at concession stands.

Nine divers are set to participate in the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials, running June 17-23 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Fans can watch both meets on NBC platforms. Peacock will stream preliminaries, while final sessions are available both on NBC and Peacock.

What to Watch For

Indiana’s list of participants features a mix of former Olympians and first-time hopefuls. Swimmers Lilly King and Blake Pieroni and diver Jessica Parratto can book their tickets to a third Olympics, while swimmers Michael Brinegar and Cody Miller and diver Andrew Capobianco have the chance to punch their ticket for a second time.

A five-time Olympic medalist, King enters the 2024 trials as the No. 1 seed in the 100-meter breaststroke – with the only seed time under 1:05 – and the No. 2 seed in the 200-meter breaststroke. Current IU swimmer Josh Matheny is the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the same events, respectively. Indiana filled the men’s breaststroke events, totaling 11 entries between the two distances. Among the group, 2016 Olympian Cody Miller is the No. 6 seed in the 100 breast.

Joining Matheny as a heavy contender for a first-time Olympic berth, Anna Peplowski will look to build on her freestyle momentum after surging during the collegiate season. Peplowski was a medalist in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle events at the NCAA Championships and will have her best shot as the No. 7 seed in the 200-meter freestyle – set to be one of the meet’s most competitive event.

The top two in each swimming event are expected to make the Olympic team individually, should they also have hit an Olympic qualifying time standard. Up to the top six are expected to make the team in the 100m and 200m freestyles for relays.

In Knoxville, Capobianco and Parratto will return to compete in the events that they earned medals from. A silver medalist in Tokyo with fellow Hoosier Michael Hixon, Capobianco will dive from the 3-meter springboard alongside a different IU teammate in Quinn Henninger. The pair competed together at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in April Capobianco will also challenge in the individual 3-meter event against Henninger and Carson Tyler.

Tyler, the NCAA Champion in the 3-meter and platform diving events this spring, will compete in both events individually at trials. The rising senior was named the CSCAA Diver of the Year, Big Ten Diver of the Year and Big Ten Diver of the Championships after a dominant season on the boards.

Parratto will once again pair up with Arizona grad Delaney Schnell in the synchronized 10-meter event, from which the duo earned silver in Tokyo. More recently, Parratto and Schnell took bronze at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships. Parratto came out of retirement to pursue a third Olympics.

The winning team in the three synchro events makes the Olympic team. Individually, the top two men and top two women in springboard make the team. In platform, the men’s and women’s winners make the team.

Hoosiers at Trials

 

The following list includes the 40 athletes representing Indiana University at Olympic Trials.

U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials (31): Toby Barnett, Luke Barr, Michael Brinegar, Finn Brooks, Brendan Burns, Mason Carlton, Kabria Chapman, Mariah Denigan, Mya DeWitt, Tristan DeWitt, Michael Eastman, Anna Freed, Elyse Heiser, Harry Herrera, Lilly King, Josh Matheny, Owen McDonald, Kacey McKenna, Cody Miller, Kristina Paegle, Anna Peplowski, Blake Pieroni, Lucas Piunti, Maxwell Reich, Drew Reiter, Ella Ristic, Dylan Smiley, Reese Tiltmann, Ashley Turak, Gavin Wight, Jassen Yep

To see which events these Hoosiers are in, see the entry list.

U.S. Olympic Diving Trials (9): Andrew Capobianco, Anne Fowler, Kristen Hayden, Quinn Henninger, Jessica Parratto, Ella Roselli, Carson Tyler, Maxwell Weinrich, Lily Witte

To see which events these Hoosiers are in, see the entry list.

Already Qualified

 

Four Indiana swimmers have already punched their tickets to Paris. Mariah Denigan will represent Team USA in open water swimming and will also compete at U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle events. International athletes Tomer Frankel (Israel), Rafael Miroslaw (Germany) and Kai van Westering (Netherlands) have qualified for their respective countries.

Hoosier Olympic History

Few universities, or even nations can match Indiana University’s Olympic record. Indiana boasts 241 total Olympic berths, representing 26 countries. On 18 occasions, Olympic coaches have come from Indiana.

The Indiana University athlete medal count is at 121 including 60 gold, 23 silver and 38 bronze after the 2020 Tokyo Games. The Hoosiers have earned a medal at every Olympic Games they have competed in except 2004. The most productive year was 1968, with 17 medals for IU competitors in Mexico City.

 

UE’S SHALLENBERGER NAMED ABCA/RAWLINGS THIRD-TEAM ALL-AMERICA

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. –  University of Evansville graduate outfielder Mark Shallenberger (St. Louis, Mo./Priory) earned one of the nation’s top baseball honors on Friday, as he was named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings Third-Team All-America squad in a vote of collegiate head coaches.  He is the first Purple Ace to be named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-America squad since outfielder Kevin Kaczmarski led the nation in hitting in 2015.
Shallenberger earned All-America honors after a season in which he earned first-team all-Missouri Valley Conference honors and Greenville (N.C.) Regional All-Tournament team honors for the Purple Aces.  He currently ranks in the NCAA’s Top 100 in 11 different offensive categories, including ranking 13th nationally in on-base percentage, a category he has ranked among the nation’s top 25 in for much of the season.  Shallenberger set program records for both runs scored (72) and hit-by-pitches (28), while posting the second-highest single-season hit total in UE history with 91.
Overall, Shallenberger hit a team-best .374 with a team-high 21 doubles, two triples, 17 home runs and 64 RBI.  He hit arguably the biggest home run in UE baseball history with a game-winning three-run home run in UE’s 6-5 victory over East Carolina to win the Greenville (N.C.) Regional and advance Evansville to its first-ever NCAA Tournament Super Regional appearance.
Shallenberger now joins an elite fraternity of UE players to earn ABCA/Rawlings All-America honors, as he is just the ninth Purple Ace to earn the award.  The previous eight UE players to earn ABCA/Rawlings All-America honors includes Andy Benes (1988), John MacCauley (1991), Marty Watson (1993), Jamey Carroll (1996), Steve Obenchain (2002), Cody Fick (2011), Kyle Freeland (2014), and Kevin Kaczmarski (2015).
Evansville went 39-26 this season, advancing on to the 2024 NCAA Tournament by winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament title.  The Purple Aces won the Greenville (N.C.) Regional Tournament and forced #1 national seed Tennessee to the “if necessary” game three of the Knoxville Super Regional in UE’s first-ever NCAA Super Regional Tournament appearance.
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