DATE: March 23, 2023
SUBJECT: Arrest Warrant Served from Cypress Dale Road Homicide Investigation
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0323
CONTACT: Sheriff Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has served an arrest warrant on Austin Ousley for the murder of Shawn Wildt and the attempted murder of his brother Chad Wildt.
On February 27, Ousley allegedly shot and killed Shawn Wildt and shot Chad Wildt in the face, seriously wounding him. The Wildts had gone to an unoccupied house owned by their family after trail cameras had alerted them to Ousley and a juvenile companion trespassing on the property. Ousley and the juvenile apparently forced their way into the house by breaking through a storm door and locked entry door. When confronted inside, Ousley allegedly shot both Shawn and Chad with a handgun. Ousley and the juvenile then fled the scene. Later that evening, Ousley attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head. He has been hospitalized in Indianapolis since being transported from an Evansville hospital that night.
The Sheriff’s Office has been monitoring Ousley’s condition. While initially in critical condition and on a ventilator, Ousley’s recovery has progressed sufficiently to necessitate him being taken into custody. This afternoon, detectives arrested Ousley on a warrant for Murder, Attempted Murder, and Residential Entry. Superior Court Judge Robert Pigman conducted a remote video arraignment while Ousley remained in his hospital room.
Ousley is in custody with no bond and is being guarded by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
PREVIOUSLY: Update on Cypress Dale Road Homicide Investigation
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.
-END-