GREENE COUNTY- Police in Greene County have arrested Joshua Penick, 35. He is accused of killing Samantha Jerrell, 36, and their 14-year-old son.
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The investigation into Jerrell and Penick began after a well-being check on Tuesday, following concerns from Jerrell’s coworker. The coworker said it was unusual for Jerrell to miss work and suggested Jerrell might have been with Penick, raising alarm.
During their background check on Penick, police uncovered a history of domestic violence between the two. Additionally, in June of this year, Penick was involved in a separate investigation related to sex crimes involving a child. Despite attempts to contact him, police were unable to reach Penick. A phone ping led them to a potential location, but their search came up empty.
Penick’s father later revealed that his son had called him from Georgia, stating, “Shit went south, and I can’t talk about it on the phone.” Penick had also left a letter with family members, which read in part, “Dad’s sorry I don’t know what is wrong with me and you all deserve better. … Let go it’s okay now breathe live love laugh prosper be at peace, numb Josh.”
Penick’s father said he was en route to pick up his son but didn’t know exactly where. He offered to let police intervene once Penick was in the car. However, during their conversation, Penick allegedly admitted, “I think I killed them,” referring to the two victims, and mentioned their bodies were located in Bear Run Mine. Shortly after this conversation, Penick fled from his father.
Indiana State Police later apprehended Penick and took him into custody. On Thursday, police searched Bear Run Coal Mine in Sullivan County with the help of a cadaver dog. Two bodies were found buried in shallow graves. Authorities identified the victims as Jerrell and a teenager named Colton, who had been reported missing after failing to attend school since the previous Friday.
Penick was charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of murder. Police said that while he was being escorted to jail, he resisted arrest by kicking and grabbing at officers. During an interview on Friday, Penick reportedly admitted, “I just put my hand around her neck and didn’t let go,” and said he buried both victims in the same grave.
Penick faces charges including:
- Four counts of obstruction of justice
- Resisting law enforcement
- Two counts of murder
- False informing
