Vigo County, Indiana – A jury has convicted a man in a 2020 homicide after investigators found a woman’s body inside a storage unit, closing a case that remained active for more than four years.
According to the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, patrol deputies responded to a storage unit in December 2020 to investigate a possible death. After determining additional resources were needed, the case was referred to the department’s investigative division. When detectives gained access to the unit, they discovered the body of Sarah Henderson inside.
Following a lengthy investigation, authorities arrested Philip Atterson, who was 29 years old at the time of the incident, in connection with the murder. A jury returned a guilty verdict last week, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The sheriff’s office credited more than 20 personnel for their work on the case, led by Detective Mary Palmer. Investigators began their efforts on Christmas Day 2020 and continued working the case for weeks afterward, according to the department.
The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office and other agencies also assisted during the investigation and prosecution, officials said. Specific details regarding the motive, cause of death, and sentencing timeline were not released in the statement.
Sheriff Derek Fell said the conviction reflects the dedication and persistence of investigators who remained committed to the case despite the passage of time. He added that the department continues to keep the victim’s family and friends in its thoughts.
The case serves as a reminder that homicide investigations can span years before reaching resolution, particularly when forensic analysis and multi-agency coordination are required.
For local residents, especially students and young workers using storage facilities or shared properties, the case underscores the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly.
Sentencing information is expected to be released through the Vigo County court system at a later date.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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