In a tragic turn of events on February 20, 2010, 24-year-old Elizabeth Renae Newcomer was found deceased in a home in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alongside her was the body of 61-year-old Linda Nickle. Both women had been fatally shot. A friend of Linda's son discovered the scene after he was asked to check on them when they could not be reached by phone.
At the time, Elizabeth's fiancé, who was Linda's son, was out of town.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly pointed to Elwin Hart, Linda Nickle's 63-year-old boyfriend with whom she lived. Less than half an hour after the women were found, Hart contacted the police and reportedly told them he was the person they were looking for. Investigators believe the shootings stemmed from a domestic issue. It was suggested that Hart was unhappy with Elizabeth Newcomer and her children having moved into the home he shared with Linda.
Further details that emerged during the investigation indicated a possible connection to drugs. It was revealed that Elizabeth had discovered a baggie of what she believed to be cocaine. Following the instructions of an acquaintance, she and Linda had taken the substance to a bike shop to have it tested. In a confession to a third party, Hart allegedly admitted to shooting both women because he believed they were attempting to frame him in relation to the cocaine.
Elwin Hart was arrested and faced charges for the murders of Elizabeth Newcomer and Linda Nickle. The case proceeded through the legal system, and he was ultimately found guilty for his role in the deaths.
