BEDFORD — The Lawrence County Superior Court II trial of Timothy Brian Helton continued Tuesday, with jurors hearing testimony from Sheriff Greg Day and viewing a recorded interview detailing the events surrounding the May 18, 2024, shooting that resulted in the death of Johnnie Grubb IV and the critical injury of Jeffery Crane.
The prosecution, led by Lawrence County Prosecutor Sam Arp and Joshua Scherschel, presented evidence against Helton, who is being defended by Chief Public Defender Tim Sledd and D. Michael Allen.
The case centers on an incident at a residence in the 500 block of Sunny Acres Lane. Grubb was found inside the home, while Crane was discovered in the garage, suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest and leg. Both victims tested positive for methamphetamine. Grubb stopped breathing upon arrival at IU Health Hospital and was unable to be revived.
During the recorded interview conducted by Sheriff Day and Detective Andrea Barnett Tedrow, Helton initially denied any involvement in the shooting or even being present at Grubb’s property. “I got pulled over and arrested, and now I am here,” Helton stated.
However, after being informed that the shooting was captured on video, Helton became emotional. “I wish there were,” he said, referring to the absence of audio in the recording, after being told Grubb was dead and Crane was in critical condition.
Helton then offered a series of shifting explanations. “You are trying to trick me and say a bunch of crazy stuff. I didn’t say I was there. You got to understand where I am sitting,” Helton said. He then admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine and cited past trauma. “You know I have been shot three times, and I don’t know what happened. Seems to me you should be able to tell from people’s body language (in the video) and tell if they were aggressive….I got PTSD from being shot three times, I just want to go home. I am scared, and I don’t know what to do..It doesn’t matter.”
Eventually, Helton admitted to being at Grubb’s residence that morning, accompanied by Christopher Cecil, to smoke methamphetamine with Crane and Grubb. He claimed a prior dispute over a 4-wheeler, where Crane accused Helton of attempted theft, had been resolved, and he had text messages between him and Crane to prove it. However, upon arrival, Helton said Crane became aggressive, accusing him of pointing a gun during the previous incident. “I was trying to keep it cool and told them not to do that,” Helton stated.
Helton further claimed that Grubb asked if he had a gun and then made a sudden movement, leading Helton to “freak out” and fire his weapon. “It all happened so fast,” Helton said. “My understanding was these guys would shoot you. I think they tricked me just to get me over there. I went there to get high. I was there to smooth everything over….I just don’t know how it happened, but it did. I was high and paranoid.”
During cross-examination, Defense Attorney Tim Sledd reviewed the video with Sheriff Day, highlighting moments where Helton appeared to be extending his hand to shake Grubb’s, followed by Grubb’s sudden movement.
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Detective Michael Williams testified about the recovery of the alleged murder weapon, a loaded Ruger P95 9mm handgun, from Helton’s vehicle following his arrest by Bloomington Police Officers and Indiana State Police troopers on State Road 45/46 bypass.
Indiana State Trooper Sgt. Eric J. Russell presented crime scene photos to the jury, depicting blood stains, spent bullet casings, bullets, and an airsoft gun found on a shelf.
Testimony is set to resume Wednesday morning.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
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