A 6-year-old girl was reported missing from her New Carlisle, Indiana, neighborhood. She was found in nearby woods just two hours later. It would take investigators time to realize the person responsible was also a child.
The Murder
Grace Ross, 6, of New Carlisle, Indiana, was found dead in a wooded area near her home in March 2021, roughly two hours after being reported missing. An investigation determined she had been strangled and had suffered physical and sexual abuse. We are not detailing the specifics further, given the ages involved.
The Investigation
Because Anthony Hutchens was a minor, he was not immediately treated as a suspect, but investigators focused on him early in the case. He was 14 years old at the time of the crime.
Trial and Sentencing
Hutchens was tried as an adult. In January, St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Sanford convicted him of murder and child molestation following a bench trial, sentencing him to 55 years for murder and 9 years for child molestation, to be served consecutively — a total of 64 years. He had already spent 748 days in detention at the time of sentencing and will be required to register as a sex offender upon release. Under the terms of the sentence, Hutchens will remain in a juvenile detention facility until he is between 18 and 21 years old, at which point his case will be reviewed.
The Appeal
Hutchens' attorney announced plans to appeal the conviction, arguing the case should have been handled in juvenile court given his age at the time of the crime.
FAQ
How old was Anthony Hutchens when he committed the crime?
He was 14 years old.
What sentence did he receive?
64 years in prison — 55 for murder and 9 for child molestation, served consecutively.
Is Hutchens appealing his conviction?
Yes. His attorney has said the case should have been handled in juvenile court rather than as an adult prosecution.