LaGrange, IN – Indiana State Police are renewing their call for information in the 1969 death of an Amish teenager killed when a rock was thrown from a passing vehicle into a horse-drawn buggy.
According to the Indiana State Police Cold Case Unit, the incident occurred around midnight on March 22, 1969, along LaGrange County Road 300 West near County Road 350 South. Seventeen-year-old Mervin Lehman was riding in a buggy driven by his nephew when a large rock was allegedly thrown from a passing car, striking Lehman in the chest.
Newspaper accounts from the time report that Lehman initially confirmed he had been hit before collapsing. Family members rushed him home, where a neighbor then drove him toward the hospital. Lehman was pronounced dead upon arrival at the LaGrange County Hospital.
Investigators say a second, similar incident occurred that same night about two miles away. In that case, two Amish passengers riding in another buggy were injured after chunks of asphalt were allegedly thrown from a passing vehicle. Both survived, but suffered head injuries, according to archived reports.
Autopsy findings at the time determined Lehman died from massive internal bleeding caused by the impact of the rock. Despite early leads and a reward that eventually reached $600, no arrests were made in Lehman’s death.
Authorities believe someone in the community may still remember details about the vehicles, individuals involved, or related harassment incidents targeting Amish residents during that period.
The Indiana State Police Cold Case Team is asking anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling the Indiana State Police Area 2 Cold Case Team at 1-800-453-4756 or by emailing ispoldcase@isp.in.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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