Donavan Harris Convicted of Felony Murder

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.

On Monday, May 18, 2026, following a five-day trial, a Madison County Circuit Court 4 jury found Kyree Craver (19 of Anderson) guilty of the following offenses: Count 1: Aiding, Inducing, or Causing Murder, a felony; Count 2: Attempted Murder, a Level 1 felony; Count 3: Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Level 2 felony; Count 4: Dangerous Possession of a Firearm, a Class A misdemeanor; Count 5: Criminal Organization Activity, a Level 5 felony; and Count 6: Criminal Organization Enhancement. Craver's charges stem from the February 2, 2025 shooting death of 26-year-old Dayla Swain outside of Sonny Ray's in Anderson. Judge David Happe set Craver's sentencing for June 23, 2026, where he faces a maximum possible sentence of 176 years. The case was investigated by Det. Brett Webb of the Anderson Police Department. The State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutors Tyler Piraino and Jesse Miller.

On Tuesday, May 7, 2026, Judge David Happe sentenced Andres Guajardo to 46 years with 40 years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction and 6 years suspended to formal probation. On March 25, 2026, Andres Guajardo pleaded guilty as charged to the following offenses: Count 1: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony; Count 2: Child Molesting, a Level 4 felony; Count 3: Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony; Count 4: Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 5 felony; and Count 5: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony. Judge Happe also found Guajardo to be a Sexually Violent Predator and ordered him to register as a Sex Offender for life. The case was investigated Nolan Schaefer of the Anderson Police Department. The State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutor Dan Kopp.

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Judge Angela Warner Sims sentenced Marcus Randall (48 of Anderson) to 43 years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. On April 6, 2026, Randall pleaded guilty to the following offenses: Count 1: Dealing in Cocaine, a Level 2 felony; Count 2: Dealing in Cocaine, a Level 2 felony; Count 3: Dealing in Cocaine, a Level 2 felony; Count 4: Dealing in Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony; Count 5: Possession of Cocaine, a Level 6 felony; and Count 6: Habitual Offender Enhancement. On Monday, May 18, 2026, Randall was sentenced to 25 years for Counts 1-5 enhanced by an additional 15 years for the Habitual Offender Enhancement for a total sentence of 40 years to be executed to the Indiana Department of Correction. The case was investigated by Detective Chris Frazier of the Anderson Police Depar tment's Narcotics Unit. The State's case was investigated by Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Haley.