DATE: July 24, 2025
SUBJECT: Four Arrested in Animal Cruelty Case Following Discovery of Horrific Conditions at Local Trailer
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-NR-0724
CONTACT: Lt. Doug Daza
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four Evansville residents on multiple counts of Animal Cruelty and Neglect after a disturbing discovery at a trailer in the Grandin Pointe Mobile Home Park.
The investigation began when three of the suspects arrived at Evansville Animal Control with a deceased dog and a second dog that was severely emaciated and near death. That dog, later named “Peanut,” was in such poor condition that it had to be euthanized. Suspicious of the suspects’ claim that the animals had been found on the side of the road, Animal Control officers launched a follow-up investigation and contacted the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the residence and discovered numerous dogs and cats living in appalling conditions. One of the residents, Joshua Binkley, refused to surrender the animals, prompting deputies to obtain a search warrant. Binkley, his girlfriend Sheila Jones, and her parents, Shirley and Timothy Martin, were detained at the scene. Jones was later transported to a hospital for a reported medical issue.
Upon executing the warrant, authorities located 11 dogs and 14 cats inside the trailer. The animals were malnourished, filthy, and suffering from visible injuries and illness. Many had matted fur, open sores, and were so weak they could barely walk. The interior of the trailer was filled with trash, feces, and urine, with a stench strong enough to be detected from across the street. With no electricity and extreme indoor temperatures, the conditions were deemed uninhabitable. Deputies were forced to wear protective suits and gas masks while processing the scene. The Vanderburgh County Building Commission was notified and later determined that the trailer would be condemned and destroyed.
All four suspects ultimately admitted responsibility for the animals and acknowledged they had never sought veterinary care or outside help. They claimed fear of getting in trouble had prevented them from seeking assistance. Timothy Martin confessed to lying to Animal Control, admitting that the animals belonged to them. He stated that one of the dogs died after getting its head stuck in a coffee creamer bottle and claimed they brought the body to Animal Control because burying it at home was “disgusting and rude.”
Sheila Jones, who initially repeated the false story, eventually admitted to the deception and acknowledged the trailer was unfit for both people and animals.
Animal Control took custody of all 25 animals. Binkley, Jones, and the Martins were each charged with 27 counts of Animal Cruelty Torture and 27 counts of Animal Cruelty Neglect Abandonment, all Class A misdemeanors, and booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on a $5,400 dollar bond.
“We will not tolerate animal cruelty in Vanderburgh County,” said Sheriff Noah Robinson. “Our office will continue to use every investigative tool and resource available to ensure that those who abuse or neglect animals are identified, charged, and held accountable.”
ARRESTED:
Timothy Jay Martin, 56, Evansville
Shirley Ann Martin, 60, Evansville
Sheila Marie Jones, 40, Evansville
Joshua Burke Binkley, 53, Evansville
CHARGES:
Animal Cruelty Torture (Class A Misdemeanor) – 27 counts each
Animal Cruelty Abandonment Neglect (Class A Misdemeanor) – 27 counts each
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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