Man accused of murdering IU student could face additional charge
BROWN COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – Daniel Messel, the man accused of killing an Indiana University student, could face additional charges.
Prosecutors in Brown County filed a motion to also charge Messel as a habitual offender along with the murder charge, according to 24-Hour News 8’s partners at the Brown County Democrat. The 49-year-old Messel is accused of murdering IU student Hannah Wilson in April. Wilson’s body was found in a vacant lot along State Road 45 and Plum Creek Road on April 24. The Brown County coroner says Wilson died from blunt force trauma after being struck three to four times in the head. Police say they found blood and hair on the dashboard of Messel’s car. Officers say they also found Messel’s cell phone near Wilson’s body.
The prosecutor cites three previous felony convictions from 1989 to 1996 on Messel to bring forth the additional charge. The Democrat says Messel was convicted of felony forgery in 1989, felony battery in 1990 and battery with a deadly weapon and battery causing serious bodily injury felonies in 1996.
Prosecutors have still not said how they think Messel and Wilson came into contact with each other. That information could come out during the trial.
Judge Judith Stewart will consider the request for additional charges at an 11 a.m. hearing Monday, Dec. 14.
