Veteran’s Day, November 11th
Killer’s scheming internet searches help Attorney General Todd Rokita and team preserve murder conviction
The Indiana Attorney General’s office successfully argued that the ominously specific internet searches conducted by a murder suspect constitute compelling evidence — prompting the Indiana Court of Appeals to affirm a Winchester man’s conviction in killing his lifelong acquaintance.
According to court documents, convicted murderer Monty Cook, 63, grew up with David Brumley, the victim, and the two men stayed in touch as adults. At some point, Cook began plotting to kill Brumley and steal his prized 2004 Ford Mustang GT show car — crimes he carried out in the fall of 2018.
As court documents recount: “Brumley was found dead in his home on November 3, 2018. His body was lodged between a bed and a wall, and his head was covered by both a pillowcase and a black plastic garbage bag. The pillowcase was secured over Brumley’s head by black electrical tape, which was wrapped around his neck.”
Investigating the murder, police obtained security-camera footage showing Cook depositing the victim’s check at a local bank and driving the victim’s Mustang. They then obtained Cook’s internet browsing history. In the weeks prior to Brumley’s death, Cook searched such terms as “how to disappear off the grid,” “Is there any poison which cannot be detected,” “can you get DNA from a burned body” and “how fast does it take a body to burn.”
After Brumley’s death, Cook searched such terms as “jobs in Bahamas,” “how to disappear,” “Winchester Indiana murder investigation,” “how to run from the law with no money” and “fugitives on the run the longest.” Cook’s visited website history revealed a distinct obsession with news articles tied to the homicide investigation – just another key fact pointing to a killing, and not just uncanny coincidence.
In its decision affirming Cook’s conviction, the court this week stated that the browsing history was part of an overall sum of evidence that “supports a reasonable inference that Cook was the person who knowingly or intentionally killed Brumley.”
Former Clark County Sheriff arrested on 15 Felony Charges
The Indiana State Police Special Investigation Division has arrested 52-year-old Jamey Noel, the former Clark County Sheriff, and current Utica Volunteer Fire Fighters Association Chief on 15 felony charges following a nearly five-month long investigation. Detectives began their extensive investigation on June 13, 2023, after receiving several criminal allegations of official misconduct from the current Clark County Sheriff, who, along with his personnel have been cooperative throughout this investigation.
Ripley County Prosecutor Richard J. Hertel was assigned as the Special Prosecutor in this case on July 27th by Special Judge Larry Medlock and was recently presented the case for review. As a result, the following criminal charges have been levied against Noel:
- One (1) count of Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
- Two (2) counts of Theft, Level 5 Felony
- Three (3) counts of Theft, Level 6 Felony
- Four (4) counts of Ghost Employment, Level 6 Felony
- Four (4) counts of Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony
- One (1) count of Obstruction of Justice, Level 6 Felony
Noel was taken into custody late Wednesday afternoon, November 8, 2023 without incident and with his attorney present. He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center before being transferred to and incarcerated in the Scott County Detention Center without bond. His initial appearance was early this afternoon, November 9th in the Clark Circuit Court No. 1, and a cash bond of $75,000 was set.
Upcycled Delights: Crafting Meaningful Holiday Gifts and Decorations with Discardable Items
A creative and eco-conscious journey into the world of upcycled gift-making, just in time for the holiday season! In this 4-hour workshop sponsored by Artists for Climate Awareness, artist Chandra Craig Rettinger will inspire you to turn items that would otherwise be put in a recycle bin into extraordinary presents and decorations– perfect for celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and any other joyous occasion. The event will take place Saturday, November 11th 11am – 3pm at Room D201, Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington.
Holidays are a time for expressing love and appreciation through thoughtful gifts. This workshop is designed to help you embrace sustainability and express your creativity while crafting unique, handmade gifts using upcycled materials. Learn how to transform everyday items into meaningful treasures, impressing your loved ones while reducing waste and contributing to a greener planet.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a collection of beautifully crafted upcycled gifts that celebrate the spirit of various holidays and the art of giving sustainably. Gain the confidence to apply these innovative techniques beyond the workshop, making upcycling a part of your everyday creative endeavors and holiday traditions.
- Introduction to Upcycling
- Hands-On Crafting
- Sustainable Wrapping
- Holiday Spirit and Culture
On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator
The Indiana Arts Commission is now accepting applications for the On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. The On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator is a program for artists and creative entrepreneurs seeking training and resources around establishing or supporting an arts-based business in Indiana.
The On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator consists of a three-day in-person intensive entrepreneurship and community engagement workshop and opportunity to apply for up to $2,000 in fellowship funding to put training into action through a career-advancing community-engaged project. The 2024 On-Ramp workshop will take place in Terre Haute, Indiana. The deadline to apply is January 4.
Learn more and access the application.
This Week in Hoosier History
1918 – The Armistice was signed to end World War I. More than 130,000 soldiers from Indiana had served.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson