The male Kosciusko County Jail inmate that was discovered unresponsive, and later died, has been identified as Christopher A. Hinson, 42 of North Webster, IN.

Hinson was in the jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and dealing methamphetamine.

This is an ongoing investigation and autopsy results are pending.

At the request of Kosciusko County Sheriff Kyle Dukes, the Indiana State Police has been requested to investigate the death of a male inmate at the Kosciusko County Jail.

The state police were contacted, on April 8, 2019, after an inmate was discovered unresponsive in his jail cell around 1:00 p.m.

Once the inmate was discovered, CPR was attempted but was unsuccessful.

The inmate was transported to the Kosciusko Community Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

On Thursday, April 4, 2019 an ongoing investigation led by the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), led to the arrest of a Madison, Indiana man for possession of child pornography. 

The investigation began in February of this year when the Indiana State Police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. That investigation led Detective Tom Basham from the Indiana State Police ICAC Task Force, to meet Lantz Edward Alexander Helms, 21, Madison, Indiana at the Charlestown Police Department for questioning. 

As a result of the interview and investigation, Helms was arrested and charged with 107 counts of Possession of Child Pornography, a level 6 felony.  Lantz Helms was then remanded into the custody of the Clark County Jail. 

Officers from the Indiana State Police were assisted by the Charlestown Police Department. 

This investigation is ongoing. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the deaths of a father and daughter who died after what appears to be a kayaking accident at Blue Grass Fish and Wildlife Area. 

Joshua Varner (33) and Vivian Varner (4) of Newburgh were kayaking on Blue Grass Pit Thursday evening.  

A family member became concerned when they had not returned when expected. Emergency services were called around 7:15 pm.

Around 9:45 pm both subjects were found floating in the water. Joshua was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Vivian was taken to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville where she succumbed to her injuries.  

A kayak belonging to the victims was found capsized in the water approximately 500 yards away.  The water temperature was 55 degrees and the water depth where the victims were found was roughly 10 feet.    

It is unknown at this time what caused the kayak to capsize.  Life jackets were not being worn by the victims when they were recovered.

Responding agencies included the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Valley Search and Rescue, Elberfeld Fire Department, Chandler Fire Department, Booneville Fire Department, Scott Township Fire Department, Warrick County EMA, Warrick County EMS, Warrick County Dispatch, Warrick County Coroner’s Office and Indiana Conservation Officers. 

Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage the use of life jackets while boating or near water.  More information on boating safety can be found by clicking on the link below.

https://www.in.gov/dnr/lawenfor/5066.htm