Digest

This podcast delves into the tragic murder of Amanda Blackburn, a young mother and devout Christian, in her Indianapolis home in 2015. The episode begins by introducing Amanda and her life, including her childhood, education, marriage, and faith. It then details the discovery of her body, the initial investigation, and the evidence found at the scene, including a missing debit card and a stolen car. The podcast then focuses on two burglaries that occurred in the same neighborhood as Amanda's murder, revealing the connection between the crimes and the stolen Chrysler Sebring. Through DNA evidence, cell phone data, and witness testimonies, detectives identified three suspects: Jalen Watson, Diano Gordon, and Larry Joe Taylor Jr. A criminal informant provided crucial testimony about the suspects' actions on the day of the murder, including their involvement in the burglaries and Amanda's death. The podcast details the arrests of the suspects and the charges they faced, including murder, burglary, and theft. The episode explores the reactions of Amanda's family, particularly her husband Davey and her father, to the arrests and their emphasis on forgiveness and faith in the face of tragedy. It reflects on Amanda's life and the impact of her death, highlighting the support she received from her community and the justice that was ultimately served. The podcast describes the trials and sentencing of the three suspects, including the two mistrials of Larry Joe Taylor Jr. and the eventual convictions and prison sentences. Finally, the episode discusses Amanda's foundation, Higher Hope, which aims to help victims of crime seek justice, and Davey's podcast and book, "Nothing is Wasted," which explores his journey with grief and healing. The podcast addresses the online speculation and rumors surrounding Davey's potential involvement in Amanda's murder, explaining why the host chose not to delve into those theories.

Outlines

00:00:00

Amanda Blackburn's Murder: A Tragic Story of Faith and Justice

This podcast explores the investigation and trial of Amanda Blackburn's murder, highlighting the evidence, suspects, and the impact of the tragedy on her family and community.

00:00:06

The Crime and Initial Investigation

This chapter details the discovery of Amanda's body, the initial investigation, and the evidence found at the scene, including a missing debit card and a stolen car.

00:18:51

The Burglaries and Connection to Amanda's Murder

This chapter focuses on the two burglaries that occurred in the same neighborhood as Amanda's murder, revealing the connection between the crimes and the stolen Chrysler Sebring.

00:21:56

Identifying the Suspects and the Criminal Informant's Testimony

This chapter describes how detectives used DNA evidence, cell phone data, and witness testimonies to identify the three suspects: Jalen Watson, Diano Gordon, and Larry Joe Taylor Jr. It also reveals the crucial testimony of a criminal informant who provides detailed information about the suspects' actions on the day of the murder, including their involvement in the burglaries and Amanda's death.

00:29:55

Arrests, Charges, and the Family's Response

This chapter details the arrests of Larry Joe Taylor Jr., Jalen Watson, and Diano Gordon, and the charges they faced, including murder, burglary, and theft. It also explores the reactions of Amanda's family, particularly her husband Davey and her father, to the arrests and their emphasis on forgiveness and faith in the face of tragedy.

00:35:25

Trials, Sentencing, and Amanda's Legacy

This chapter describes the trials and sentencing of the three suspects, including the two mistrials of Larry Joe Taylor Jr. and the eventual convictions and prison sentences. It also reflects on Amanda's life and the impact of her death, highlighting the support she received from her community and the justice that was ultimately served.

Keywords

Q&A

• What evidence led detectives to believe that Amanda Blackburn's murder was connected to the two burglaries in her neighborhood?

  The stolen Chrysler Sebring, found abandoned on November 11th, contained evidence from the burglaries, including a receipt for a failed ATM transaction using Amanda's debit card, a pink sweater, an AT&T remote, a men's sweatshirt, a bed sheet, and a bag of oranges.

• How did detectives identify the three suspects in Amanda's murder?

  DNA evidence from the pink sweater found in the stolen car matched Jalen Watson, who was on parole for burglary. Cell phone data placed both Watson and Diano Gordon at the scenes of the burglaries and Amanda's house. A third phone number, traced to Larry Joe Taylor Jr., was also linked to the crime scene.

• What was the criminal informant's testimony, and how did it contribute to the investigation?

  The informant revealed that Larry Joe Taylor Jr. had a gun and was the one who entered the first victim's house, stole her phone, and suggested stealing her car. He also claimed that Larry had initially wanted to kill the first victim but was talked out of it by the other suspects. The informant provided detailed information about the suspects' actions on the day of the murder, including their involvement in the burglaries and Amanda's death.

• How did Amanda's family respond to the arrests and the tragedy?

  Amanda's husband, Davey, and her father expressed forgiveness for the suspects, emphasizing their faith and belief that God would bring justice. They shared their stories of how Amanda's death had helped others grow closer to God, finding strength in their faith amidst the tragedy.

• What were the outcomes of the trials and sentencing for the three suspects?

  Larry Joe Taylor Jr. was convicted on almost every count after two mistrials and a bench trial. Jalen Watson accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 86 years in prison. Diano Gordon also accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Show Notes