LPD arrests third suspect connected to the murder of John Chapman

The ongoing investigation into the murder of John P. Chapman on March 17 has led to the arrest of a third suspect connected to events that occurred on the night Chapman was killed.

Gary Alexander “Alex” Moore

Gary Alexander “Alex” Moore, 18, Linton, was taken into custody by Sgt. Logan Hobbs of the Linton Police Department on Monday, April 6.

Moore was arrested at the conclusion of an interview with Sgt. Hobbs, conducted at the police department on that Monday.

Two other individuals, Brandon Criss, 34, and Devin Nichols, now 17, both of Linton, were arrested on March 25 in connection with the murder of John P. Chapman on the night of March 17.

Criss has been charged with:

• Murder, a felony,

• Conspiracy to commit murder, a Level 1 felony,

• Two counts of obstruction of justice, both Level 6 felonies, and

• False informing resulting in substantial hindrance to a law enforcement procedure, a Class A misdemeanor.

Nichols has been charged with:

• Murder, a felony,

• Conspiracy to commit murder, a Level 1 felony,

• Obstruction of justice, a Level 6 felony, and

• False informing resulting in substantial hindrance to a law enforcement procedure, a Class A misdemeanor.

The investigation into the murder did not stop with the arrests of Criss and Nichols – in fact it was far from over.

During the course of the ongoing investigation, investigators uncovered evidence that pointed to Moore’s involvement with Chapman on the night of his death.

Evidence showed an individual met Chapman at a gazebo located in Linton and investigators now believe it was Moore who met Chapman for a drug-related purpose.

During Moore’s interview, he allegedly said he met Chapman and that there was an altercation. Moore allegedly admitted that during the altercation, he drew and used a fixed blade knife to stab Chapman one time. However, results of an autopsy showed Chapman was stabbed three times, with wounds on his back, one side and one hand.

Moore was booked into the Greene County Jail around 11 p.m.  Jail records showed Moore with a home address in Linton. Court records showed him with a home address in Freedom.

A criminal case was filed against Moore and last week he was in court for an initial hearing.

In Greene Superior Court early Monday, April 13, Moore was formally charged with:

• Aggravated battery – assault posed a substantial risk of death, a Level 3 felony,

• Battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony, and

• Obstruction of justice, a Level 6 felony.

Both Criss and Nichols are being held without bond.

Moore’s bond was set at $25,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed. As of today, April 24, Moore has not posted bond so all three suspects are still in custody.

When charges were filed against Criss and Nichols, Sgt. Hobbs said that due to reductions in staff for the COVID-19 pandemic, cell record and cell site location information was being delayed, but numerous items collected as part of the investigation was sent to the Indiana State Police Lab for DNA analysis.

Affidavits filed in these cases indicate police are in possession of a wide range of evidence including DNA, surveillance video, personal statements from numerous individuals, cell phone locations, call records and text messages, as well as weapons.

Besides officers from the Linton Police Department, personnel have assisted in the investigations from the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, the Jasonville Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Department, Greene County Coroner’s Office, the Indiana State Police, and the United States Marshal Service.

Editor’s Note: This story was delayed in an effort to obtain clarification of details surrounding the incidents. That is just not available at this time. Officers have continued to work on this case every day since Chapman’s death and are continuing to work on it now. I have talked to three officials who have confirmed Moore’s connection to Chapman, but this remains an active investigation so no additional details will be included so as not to hinder the investigation.