Man sentenced to 80 years for killing mother, half-sister

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) – A White County man is sentenced to 80 years for the murder of his half-sister and mother which occurred more than two years ago.

It was an emotional day in court as family members spoke directly to 23-year-old David Rodenbarger.

Rodenbarger pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the murders of his half-sister and mother and criminal confinement earlier this month. Friday he was sentenced to 80 years in prison and psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

In February of 2013, autopsy reports showed 6-year-old Jillian Haskins and 41-year-old Michelle Haskins both died from multiple stab wounds.

Family members expressed they will be remembered as loving, caring people.

The center of this case was Rodenbarger’s mental illness. Rodenbarger was diagnosed and treated for schizophrenia before the murders.

At one point, a judge ruled that Rodenbarger was not competent to stand trial. He was then sent to Indianapolis, and then Logansport State Hospital for treatment.

White County Prosecutor Bob Guy says the system of care for Rodenbarger leading up to the murders was not adequate. His attorney Patrick Manahan says he stopped taking his medication.

“One of the chronic problems with people with schizophrenia and taking medications is you take the medications until you think that you don’t need them because it helps, or you quit, or you take as you need. And it’s kind of the wrong thing to do and that was part of what was going on in David’s life,” Manahan said.

Guy said, “This case is a real eye-opener for me on a personal level to see that not only that the victims in this case, Jilly and Shelly, were let down by the system. David Scott Rodenbarger was let down by the system as well.”

Guy says they worked closely with the prosecutor in Texas who tried the American Sniper case.

Rodenbarger addressed the court and said he was sorry and words can’t express how he feels.