It has been 7 1/2 years since Amanda Blackburn was murdered. She was beaten and shot to death in her home on November 10, 2015. Amanda’s husband, Davey Blackburn, said he “called paramedics,” I assume 911, “as soon as he could,” after discovering her unconscious in their home that terrible morning. Despite repeated efforts from myself and others interested in this case, Davey’s 911 call has never been released.
I first contacted the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) about this 911 call in late 2016. Peg McLeish, then communications director for the prosecutor’s office, replied that this 911 call was considered evidence in the pending murder trial of Larry Jo Taylor. After years of delays and mistrials, Larry’s case was concluded in September 2022. He was sentenced in October 2022. Davey’s 911 call still has not been released. Since the conclusion of the trial, I, along with others following this case, have contacted the prosecutor’s office requesting the 911 call. We have received no response from their office.
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I decided to try again this week to request Davey’s 911 call. I emailed the Marion County Prosecutor’s office at the contact listed on their website. I also called the MCPO and inquired about getting the call released. I was told that the new director of communications for MCPO is Michael Leffler. I emailed Michael as well (Michael.leffler@indy.gov). I have not received a reply from Michael or anyone in the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
I also submitted a FOIA request for Davey’s 911 call. My first attempt at a FOIA request landed in the inbox of Richard T. Payne, staff attorney for Indiana Office of Court Services. He suggested I contact the prosecutor’s office or the Marion County call center. Richard suggested that this 911 call may have been deleted.
I then submitted a FOIA request to the Indianapolis police department in the 911 call logs category after a helpful tip from Toae Kim, Deputy Chief Counsel, Office of Corporation Counsel, City of Indianapolis. I am still waiting on a reply.
Someone somewhere in law enforcement in Indianapolis knows where this 911 call is, or they know it’s been deleted. Why the secrecy?
