Valerie E. Dicus, a 37-year-old female, was killed on Saturday, August 20, 2016, in Salem, Indiana. She was one of two victims in a double homicide that rocked the small community. The other victim was identified as 36-year-old Joseph Ray Hobson. Dicus died from a single gunshot wound.
The perpetrator, Joseph Hambel, was arrested in connection with the murders.
Prior to the killings, Hambel had expressed concern about alleged drug activity at a residence on West Small Street where his nephew was living. He had even approached a Salem City Police officer at his home, armed with a handgun, and spoke about his desire to do something about the drug problem in Salem. Hambel, who was related to Dicus, believed that she and Hobson were dealing drugs.
In the early morning hours of August 19, 2016, Hambel drove to the apartment where Dicus and Hobson were. He was accompanied by a 17-year-old at the time. After the killings, Hambel reportedly claimed that he had 'just taken care of one of Washington County's biggest drug problems.' He told police that he had shot Hobson multiple times and had accidentally shot Dicus once with a. 32 caliber handgun.
Following a week-long trial in Washington Circuit Court, a jury found Joseph Hambel guilty on five counts, including the murders of Valerie Dicus and Joseph Hobson.
