Christian Sheckler
A New Study Prompted by Our Reporting Confirms Elkhart, Indiana, Police Department Lacks Accountability
Elkhart community members viewed police officers as “cowboys” who participated in “rough treatment of civilians,” contributing to what the study called a “trust deficit.”
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Why Are Cops Around the World Using This Outlandish Mind-Reading Tool?
The creator of Scientific Content Analysis, or SCAN, says the tool can identify deception. Law enforcement has used his method for decades, even though there’s no reliable science behind it.
by Ken Armstrong, ProPublica, and Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune,
Local Reporting Network
The Questionable Conviction, and Re-Conviction, of Ricky Joyner
Juries convicted Ricky Joyner twice. Once in 1994 and again in 1998, after he won his first appeal. Prosecutors called the case cut and dried. But we looked through transcripts, reports, video and more. Should Joyner’s conviction stand?
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Two Indiana Police Officers Face Federal Charges in Videotaped Beating of Handcuffed Man
The charges come after ProPublica and the South Bend Tribune exposed details of the abuse and published the video. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect,” the FBI said.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune,
Local Reporting Network
In Elkhart, Indiana, Another Conviction Gets Tossed. The Star Witness Was Hypnotized, a Fact the Prosecutor Concealed.
The prosecutor who failed to disclose the use of hypnosis is now a judge. He knew the hypnotist from the Kiwanis Club.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Long-Lost Records Surface in Wrongful Conviction Case, Detailing Lead Detective’s Fondling of Informants
The reasons for the Elkhart, Indiana, detective’s forced resignation have been a mystery for years. This month, the records were finally turned over. An attorney wants the city punished for the delay.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Elkhart’s Mayor Says He Won’t Run for Re-election, Amid Revelations of Misconduct in the Police Ranks
Since November, two police officers have been charged with misdemeanor battery; news reports have detailed the promotion of many officers with disciplinary records; and the police chief has resigned.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Stung by Controversies, Police Chief Resigns in Elkhart, Indiana
Ed Windbigler’s resignation as chief follows a videotaped beating of a handcuffed man and reports by the South Bend Tribune and ProPublica that he had promoted officers with disciplinary histories.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
An Elkhart Police Officer Was Convicted of Drunken Driving — Then the Chief Promoted Him
Last year, Chief Ed Windbigler said he doubted the case against the officer would stick. After the officer pleaded guilty, the chief didn’t discipline him. This year, Windbigler promoted him to detective without telling an oversight board.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune, and Ken Armstrong, ProPublica,
Local Reporting Network
Elkhart City Council Members Support Investigation of Police Department
If the Department of Justice won’t investigate, council members say they would pay for an outside investigation into misconduct by Elkhart police.
by Christian Sheckler, South Bend Tribune,
Local Reporting Network