In the late hours of a Thursday evening in Aurora, Indiana, a simmering family dispute escalated into a fatal encounter, leaving a young man dead and his uncle facing a murder charge. On May 28, 2020, 19-year-old Nicholas Woodruff was shot and killed following an altercation with his 64-year-old uncle, Robert L. Marksberry. The incident unfolded around 10:00 p.m.
in the 800 block of Indiana Avenue, forever altering the lives of those involved.
Earlier in the day, Marksberry had purchased a. 32 caliber handgun and two bullets from a family member in Aurora. That evening, he was visiting his half-brother, Terry Woodruff, who was Nicholas's father. As Marksberry was preparing to leave the residence, an argument erupted. Nicholas Woodruff reportedly jumped into the bed of Marksberry's truck and began sorting through items, which included a chainsaw or a trimmer. Marksberry, concerned that his nephew might be attempting to take something, warned him to get away. The confrontation quickly turned physical when Woodruff approached the driver's side of the truck and struck Marksberry in the face. It was at this moment that Marksberry fired the single, fatal shot, striking his nephew in the chest.
After the shooting, Marksberry fled the scene. Nicholas Woodruff was rushed to Highpoint Health but succumbed to his injuries. An investigation was immediately launched by the Indiana State Police and the Aurora Police Department. Their efforts led them to a home in nearby Bennington, where they located and arrested Marksberry. He was taken into custody and initially held at the Dearborn County Jail.
Initially, Robert Marksberry was charged with murder. However, as the investigation progressed and details of the confrontation came to light, the charge was amended. The evidence suggested that Marksberry had acted 'under the influence of a sudden heat of passion' after being physically assaulted by Woodruff. It was also revealed that Woodruff had reportedly purchased and used methamphetamine shortly before the fatal incident. In a turn of events, Marksberry pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of Voluntary Manslaughter. On June 15, 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in the death of his nephew, bringing a somber conclusion to a tragic family affair.
