In the quiet community of Campbellsburg, Indiana, concern grew for 20-year-old Blake Andrew Box Skinner when his family had not heard from him for several days in January of 2017. This concern prompted a call to the Indiana State Police to check on his welfare at the home he shared with his roommate on Lost River Road. The search of the property led to a grim discovery. Blake's body was found in an outbuilding, concealed under debris. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound.
The investigation quickly focused on his roommate and friend, 20-year-old Joshua Rainbolt. Rainbolt was arrested and charged with murder in connection with Blake's death. According to a probable cause affidavit, Rainbolt admitted to shooting Blake in the back of the head with a shotgun. He then dragged his body to a shed on the property, placed a washing machine over his head and torso to hide him, and disposed of the shotgun by throwing it into the White River.
During his initial court appearance, Joshua Rainbolt was visibly emotional, breaking down and crying while being questioned by the judge. Family and friends of both young men who were present at the courthouse expressed their devastation and confusion, stating that the two had been friends. Rainbolt was appointed a public defender and was ordered to be held without bond. The motive for the killing remained unclear.
