Melinda Beverly Lindsey, a 23-year-old female, was fatally shot on January 16, 2015, in her home near Valparaiso, Indiana. Her husband, Steven Lindsey, initially told investigators that an intruder had broken into their home, choked him until he lost consciousness, and killed his wife. However, the investigation found no evidence of a forced entry, and suspicion soon fell upon him.
Prosecutors alleged that Steven Lindsey, then 35 years old, murdered his wife because he was afraid she would leave him.
The investigation into Melinda’s death uncovered a potential financial motive. It was revealed that a $1.1 million life insurance policy had been taken out on Melinda. Shortly after her death, Steven Lindsey began the process of trying to file a claim on this policy. The couple had reportedly been experiencing financial difficulties and arguing, in part, about Melinda's desire to return to a previous job. Adding to the suspicious circumstances, Steven Lindsey had his wife's body cremated against her family's wishes and had her two dogs euthanized.
Steven Lindsey was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife. His legal proceedings were fraught with complications. The first murder trial ended in a hung jury in November 2015, with jurors unable to reach a unanimous decision. A subsequent retrial was scheduled. In March 2016, a jury convicted Steven Lindsey of murder. The following month, he was sentenced to 55 years in prison. He has continued to appeal his conviction.
