December 11, 1995

Shannon L. Wentzel’s body was found in a secluded area of Pike County on December 11, 1998. The 15-year-old Bosse High School student had been raped and murdered by Leon Jones, Kelly Craig, and James Powell.

The following information was found in
APPEAL FROM THE PIKE CIRCUIT COURT
The Honorable Marvin D. Stratton, Judge
Cause No. 63C01-9512-CF-625

On December 9, 1995, Leon R. Jones, Kelly Craig, and James Brian Powell were driving in a four wheel drive vehicle in Evansville, Indiana. They had been and were drinking at the time. At a McDonald's restaurant, Shannon Wentzel joined them. After driving around for some time, the group stopped for a break. While the four were standing outside the truck talking, Jones struck Wentzel.

    After Jones knocked Wentzel to the ground, Jones and Craig began kicking her. After beating her, Jones demanded that Wentzel take off her clothes. Jones then raped Wentzel in a manner which included anal penetration. Jones next “told” Powell to rape Wentzel, which he did. After Powell, Craig raped Wentzel. Jones, Powell, and Craig then resumed kicking Wentzel.

    After kicking her for some time in her body and face, Wentzel “laid there unconscious.” Jones checked to see if Wentzel was still alive and found that she was. Jones then got into the truck and ran over Wentzel approximately fifteen times. Jones, Powell, and Craig placed Wentzel in the back of the vehicle and drove to a different location to dispose of the body.

    While driving, Wentzel suddenly sat up. When they reached the second location, Jones unloaded Wentzel from the vehicle and both he and Craig resumed kicking her. Jones then got into the vehicle and ran over Wentzel several more times. Craig then stabbed Wentzel with a screwdriver. An autopsy revealed that Wentzel died from multiple blunt force injuries to her abdomen, chest, and head

[Leon R. Jones was sentenced to 65 years in prison for murder and 30 years for criminal deviate conduct, to be served consecutively.]

We [the appeal court] conclude that Defendant's sentence is not manifestly unreasonable and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

March 28, 1998 - The Indiana Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of James Powell.

James Brian Powell was sentenced to 75 years in prison.

Kelly Craig was sentenced to 55 years in prison.