GREENE CO. — A Greene County man has been charged with the murders of a woman and their 14-year-old son, whose bodies were discovered in a shallow grave at Bear Run Mine, according to court documents.
Joshua Penick, 35, allegedly led investigators to the location of the bodies after providing directions to his father. This information ultimately aided deputies in locating Samantha Jerrell and her son, Colton. The search for the pair began over the weekend when they failed to show up for school and work, prompting family and friends to report them missing. Witnesses indicated that Penick had a history of violence against the family.
In a letter left for family members, Penick expressed remorse, writing, “Dad’s sorry I don’t know what is wrong with me… Let go it’s okay now breathe live love laugh prosper be at peace, numb Josh.”
He faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder, four counts of obstruction of justice, battery resulting in serious bodily injury against a police officer, false informing, and resisting arrest. Penick is also awaiting trial on previous charges related to possession of marijuana and six counts of sexual misconduct with a minor involving a relationship with a 15-year-old girl.
Court records reveal that Penick confessed to the murders, stating, “I just put my hands around her neck and wouldn’t let go and buried them in the same grave.” During a phone call with his father, he remarked, “(Expletive) went south, and I can’t talk about it on the phone.”
Cadaver dogs located the bodies at the Bear Run Mine on Thursday. Penick was apprehended in Warrick County shortly after the bodies were located.
A motion was filed today in Greene County Circuit Court for Penick to undergo a mental health evaluation to determine competency and sanity.
Attorney Jennifer Culotta of New Albany is representing Penick. She will also be his defense attorney for his sexual misconduct trial in Harrison County. The trial date for Harrison County is currently set for January 21.
Penick is scheduled for an initial hearing on these new charges by video conference on Tuesday, October 22, at 11 a.m.
The community is reeling from this tragic incident as investigations continue. Police also filed for a search warrant Monday as the investigation continues.
