Cold case victims’ families hope, pray for justice
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In 2018, we introduced you to families, each one carrying their own burdens.
Angie Barlow
On Oct. 26, 2016, 23-year-old Angie Barlow, a dancer, received an invitation via text to dance at a private party in the 7000 block of Harcourt in Indianapolis. The sender of the cryptic text never gave a name, only an address and a couple of vague requests for wardrobe.
It’s clear Barlow felt uneasy about this invite. According to court documents, Barlow sent a text to her roommate just before she left for the party, “Doing a private party at this address just in case I go missing lol, ” texted Barlow.
The next day Barlow didn’t come home. Her roommate contacted Angie’s mom, Christina Barlow-Kramer. Instantly, Kramer and her husband made the 60-mile commute from Muncie to Indianapolis to Barlow’s home. Inside they found Angie’s dog, Pablo, left alone, which was uncharacteristic of Barlow.
About 12 days after Barlow was reported missing, police found her car, a blue Pontiac G6, more than 8 miles away from the northwest side apartment complex. Detectives took DNA swabs inside the vehicle, and court documents hinted to blood being in the back seat.
News 8 recorded video of crime scene technicians at the Harcourt Apartments. On that day, detectives released very little on why they were there.
The case went quiet. Then one day in June, police received a tip about a body found in a shallow grave behind a home on the city’s eastside. In Kramer’s own words, posted on her Facebook page, she describes the moments she found out that detective may have found Angie.
“I remember 1yr ago today. I’m sitting in the dentist chair. I start getting phone calls from reporters. A crime stoppers tip came in. IMPD was digging, searching for my missing daughter. Can you imagine the thoughts racing through your mind? Picture yourself, searching for your daughter for 8 long excruciating months. Holding onto hope and praying, everyday, she’s found alive. “
Kramer didn’t want to believe it. She held out hope the body would not be confirmed as her Angie. She made it to Marion County Coroner’s Office and after looking through a stack of pictures she confirmed her fears. It was Angie. Now the family waits for answers.
Timothy Poole
On Nov. 27, 2016, someone shot Timothy Poole as he sat in a parked car near the 2200 block of Avondale Place, near Martin University.
After the shooting, Poole drove his vehicle several blocks to Dearborn Street until he couldn’t drive anymore. Detectives rushed to the scene and found Poole.
The shooter had shot Poole four times. Poole had a passenger in the car. She survived but was unable to provide critical details in the investigation.
“I don’t see how you can be in the car with somebody and know nothing,” Poole’s brother, Sharia Gladney, said as signs of frustration washed over her face.
A year after the shooting, police shared a clue in the investigation: Security cameras captured Poole’s last moments. Reviewing the video, detectives saw Poole’s Dodge Charger drive through an intersection. Suddenly, a gray Chevrolet Impala car follows behind. It appears the driver of the Impala keeps a distance. Poole pulls up to a house to pick up his friend’s kids. Another angle shows the Impala circle the block. Then it happens. The unknown driver is side by side with Poole’s car. Multiple shots are fired, and the driver of the Impala speeds off.
Timothy Poole’s murder remains unsolved.
Carmen Van Huss
On March 24, 1993, Carmen Van Huss’ father paid an impromptu visit to Carmen’s apartment after learning she had not shown up to work for a couple of days. Once inside her unit, he found Carmen’s body. She had been stabbed. Her apartment was trashed.
Investigators soon arrived to the Turtle Creek North Apartments in the 8200 block of Harcourt Road, just south of St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. The complex has since changed names. Detectives later included some vital information in the police report: Carmen had been raped. The interviews and the questioning started.
There were reports that someone in the complex heard Carmen talking possibly the night of her murder.
The days turned into weeks, months and even years; police had no information on a possible suspect. The case went cold.
Over the years we’ve seen cold cases revived, leading to arrests, a guilty plea or a conviction.
