In the spring of 2022, the life of William Jeffrey Kintzel, a 63-year-old male from South Whitley, Indiana, was brought to a tragic and violent end. His body was discovered in a wooded area in Fort Wayne on April 14, 2022, although investigators believe he was killed days earlier. An investigation into his death quickly launched, leading to the identification of two suspects who would be held accountable for their roles in the crime.
The investigation uncovered surveillance footage from
a nearby residence that proved to be a critical piece of evidence. The footage showed Kintzel driving his own SUV with two other men, later identified as Anthony J. Lopez and Michael Allen Barker. The vehicle was seen parking near the woods where Kintzel's body was later found. Kintzel and Lopez were captured on video walking into the woods together, while Barker remained in the SUV. A short time later, Lopez was seen running out of the woods alone. A neighbor reported hearing gunshots around the same time. Further evidence showed Lopez and Barker purchasing cleaning supplies, including bleach and Clorox wipes, which they used to clean the interior of Kintzel's vehicle.
In a significant development, Anthony J. Lopez, 42, was arrested and charged in connection with Kintzel's murder. In October 2022, a jury found him guilty of murder and illegal possession of a firearm. The following month, a judge sentenced Lopez to a total of 91 years in prison for his crimes. The sentence consisted of 65 years for the murder charge, an additional 20 years for the use of a gun in the commission of the crime, and six years for carrying a handgun with a prior felony conviction.
For over a year, the second suspect, Michael Allen Barker, 42, remained at large. A warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of murder and felony robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. In December 2023, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals, Barker was apprehended in Cleveland, Ohio. He was awaiting extradition back to Indiana to face the charges related to his involvement in the death of William Jeffrey Kintzel.
