Dayqawn Peoples Sentenced to 75 Years for Dealing Resulting in Death and Other Offenses

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Judge David Happe sentenced Dayqawn Peoples (33 of Anderson) to an aggregate sentence of 75 years.
On April 17, 2026, a Madison County Circuit 4 jury found Peoples guilty of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony, Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 felony.
Judge Happe imposed a sentence of 40 years for Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony, 25 years for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony, and 10 years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 felony, all to be served consecutively at the Indiana Department of Correction for a total aggregate sentence of 75 years.
The charges stem from the January 22, 2025 overdose death of Morgan Whetsel. As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at Peoples' residence and located approximately two pounds of Heroin and a 45 caliber Glock handgun with a loaded high capacity drum magazine. The investigation also revealed evidence that Peoples had previously distributed over four pounds of Heroin.
At trial, the State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutors Jesse Miller and Tyler Piraino. The case was investigated by Detective Lance Blossom of the Anderson Police Department.
Peoples criminal history was considered as an aggravator at sentencing, which includes the following convictions:
2012: Possession of Cocaine, a Class B felony;
2012: Carrying a Handgun Without a License, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Possession of Marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class D felony;
2013: Dealing in Cocaine, a Class B felony;
2013: Armed Robbery, a Class B felony;
2013: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor;
2014: Dealing in Cocaine, a Class B felony;
2014: Dealing in Cocaine, a Class B felony; and
2014: Dealing in Cocaine, a Class B felony.
Madison County Prosecutor's Office News






