In the early evening of March 6, 2020, the quiet of a Kokomo, Indiana neighborhood was shattered by the sound of gunfire. When police arrived at the 400 block of North Purdum Street, they discovered the body of 43-year-old Dennis J. Vincent lying in the roadway. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dennis J. Vincent, a resident of Kokomo and formerly of Tipton, was born on July 14, 1976. He had worked at Bay Logistics and previously at Chrysler.
He was known for his love of the Green Bay Packers, Chevy cars, and professional wrestling. He also enjoyed fishing and collecting 'Magic: The Gathering' cards, a hobby he shared with his son.
The investigation into Vincent's death quickly led authorities to a suspect. William Austin Mealer, then 27 years old, also of Kokomo, was identified as the individual responsible for the shooting. He was located in Logansport and taken into custody without incident, transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center.
Mealer was subsequently charged with the murder of Dennis J. Vincent. After a trial, he was found guilty. On November 18, 2021, William Austin Mealer was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder.
