Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, October 22, 2014
(GARY) - A suspected serial killer in Gary had his first court appearance this morning, but after refusing to respond to the judge, the hearing was postponed.
The death of a woman in Gary led police to Darren Vann, who confessed to murdering at least seven women in Gary, according to police.
Vann stood stone-faced during today's hearing at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point after Judge Kathleen Sullivan asked him if he would swear to tell the truth.
Sullivan warned Vann he could be held in contempt, but he still declined to speak. Vann's public defender walked up to him and put his hand on Vann's shoulder encouraging him to speak but he wouldn't.
Sullivan told Vann he would spend "the rest of his life" in jail until the initial hearing could take place and she said she'd reschedule it for next week.
The case unfolded late Friday night when police found 19-year-old Afrikka Hardy strangled to death inside a Motel 6 in nearby Hammond. A tip then led police to a home in Gary where they arrested Vann without incident.
Investigators says Hardy was involved in prostitution and had arranged to meet Vann at the motel.
During his interrogation, Vann reportedly confessed to that murder and six others. Afterward, Vann led police o the remains of those six women in abandoned homes throughout the city. And those seven bodies may not be all. Based on his interrogation, the murders may stretch as far back as 20 years.
At last check, police had identified four of the seven victims and were working to notify family members.
Gary police searched more than 90 homes in the city Tuesday, looking for any more victims of Vann's and will continue their searches today.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.