An Indiana man accused of killing a 10-year-old boy and his stepmother as a teenager has been arrested after spending 20 years on the run.
Michael Jerome James, 35, was taken into custody at his Shelbyville home Friday, more than two decades after Chynna Dickus, 26, and her stepson, Blake Dickus, were found stabbed to death inside their Franklin home.
Franklin police, Shelby County police and an FBI agent made the arrest, according to James’ neighbor, Dale Fornett, who spoke with Fox59.
James was 14 when the killings occurred. However, Lance Hamner, a Johnson County prosecutor, said James—who has been indicted on two counts of murder—will be prosecuted as an adult.
Prosecutors have not revealed the evidence they believe connects James to the double homicide.
“All I can say is that [police] brought us an investigation that we took to the grand jury,” Hamner said.
“The grand jury listened to the evidence over a period of three weeks and then they returned that indictment.”
Sean Dickus, the boy’s father, discovered the bodies inside the home in July 2006 after returning from work.
Chynna Dickus had been stabbed, while Blake Dickus had been stabbed, beaten and suffocated.
A source familiar with the investigation told WTHR that James grew up only a few miles from the home where the murders occurred.
James was born in Texas and, according to neighbors, had lived in the Shelbyville area for the past two years after leaving Franklin. Following his mother’s death, his aunt adopted him and moved with him to Indiana.
The source said James and his sister were removed from their Texas home by Child Protective Services while their mother struggled with drug addiction.
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Even after the arrest, investigators have not identified a motive for the killings.
“What was in his mind at the time, being that young to want to do something to those people, especially the little boy?” James’ neighbor, Nancy Nigh, told Fox59.
Investigators explored a possible connection to burglaries in 2015. One burglary was reported on the same day Chynna and Blake Dickus were killed.
Police also examined whether domestic violence may have played a role.
Franklin Police Chief Kirby Cochran praised investigators for refusing “to let the case grow cold” after the indictment was returned.
“For 20 years, Blake and Chynna’s families have carried the weight of an unimaginable loss, waiting for this day,” he said.
“On behalf of the Franklin Police Department, I want them to know that we have never forgotten their loved ones and we have never stopped seeking justice.”
“[Officers’] sustained effort brings a measure of resolution for the victims, their families and the community.”
“This indictment represents the culmination of 20 years of persistent and professional investigative work.
“Detectives reviewed evidence, pursued new leads, leveraged advances in forensic science, and remained committed to Blake, Chynna, and their families every step of the way.”
Cops are not looking for any other suspects or co-conspirators in relation to the killings, Hamner said.
Friday’s arrest came just days after the reward for information on the killings quadrupled to $100,000.
“It is time for those who know something to come forward. It is time for answers,” Hamner said.
