In the summer of 2021, the life of 18-year-old Hannah Louise Stailey was tragically cut short in a violent act that stunned the community of Harlan, Indiana. A recent graduate of Woodlan High School, Hannah was known for her vibrant spirit and was actively involved in her community, including serving as a camp counselor. She was working at Milan Center Feed and Grain while also attending Ivy Tech.
On the morning of August 13, 2021, law enforcement responded to a call regarding suicidal
threats at an apartment complex on Day Lily Drive in Fort Wayne. Upon their arrival, they discovered a grim scene. Hannah Stailey was found deceased from a gunshot wound. Alongside her, 22-year-old Levi W. Long was found in critical condition with what was later determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Allen County coroner officially ruled Hannah's death a homicide. Long succumbed to his injuries the following day, and his death was ruled a suicide. Investigators concluded that the incident was a murder-suicide stemming from a domestic situation. No further arrests were made as the sole suspect had taken his own life.
Further investigation into Levi Long's background revealed that he was scheduled for a pretrial conference on the very day of the murder-suicide. The charges against him were severe, including rape and sexual battery, stemming from an incident in August of the previous year. His trial for these charges had been set to begin in September 2021. The tragic event left the community mourning the loss of a young woman and grappling with the devastating consequences of domestic violence.
