Washington County - On Friday, October 29, 2021, Indiana State Police Detectives from the Sellersburg Post began investigating a shooting that left a 55-year-old Austin, Indiana man dead.  A 35-year-old Salem, Indiana woman has been arrested on charges related to the incident.

The investigation began at approximately 3:16 pm when a 9-1-1 called was received by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department that indicated a man had been shot in a wooded area near the 1600 Block of Peacock Hollow Road, Salem, Indiana.  Initial officers that arrived on scene found Michael J. Walker, age 55, deceased behind the residence of 1678 North Peacock Hollow Road.  The evidence at the scene indicated that Walker had sustained a gunshot wound.

Detectives from the Indiana State Police-Sellersburg Post along with Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigators were called to the scene to lead the investigation.

Investigators soon determined that Walker, along with two other men, were hunting ginseng on the property behind the residence. The men had two dogs with them in the area.  Further information was obtained that indicated that Krystal N. Grangier, age 35, fired at least one gunshot in the direction of Walker and the dogs.  Walker was allegedly struck by a bullet fired by Grangier.  Grangier was initially arrested on a Class A Misdemeanor charge of False Informing.

An autopsy conducted on Saturday, October 30th, determined that Walker sustained a gunshot wound which resulted in his death.  Grangier has now been charged with an additional felony charge of Reckless Homicide.  She has been incarcerated at the Washington County Jail pending an initial court appearance.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Indiana State Police has been assisted by the Indiana Conservation Officers and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.