SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — For eight years, authorities have vigorously investigated the homicide of a retired farmer in Sullivan County–following up on more than 250 tips, conducting nearly 150 interviews and combing the area on foot, with aircraft, all-terrain vehicles, boats and even SCUBA divers.
The investigation began Dec. 8, 2012, when 85-year-old Lowell R. Badger was found deceased at his rural Sullivan County home. The homicide is believed to have occurred sometime between around 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7 and 9:23 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012.
A safe and television were taken from Lowell’s home. The safe was a light to medium-dark gray, measuring 23 ½” tall, 17” deep, and 17” wide, in pristine condition and manufactured by John D. Brush and Company. The television was a black 46” Sony Bravia LCD screen.
Indiana State Police and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office said they strongly believe someone in the community has information related to this case. Law enforcement and the Badger family continue to solicit help from the public. A reward of approximately $30,000 has been established and available for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Lowell’s death.
Police have released photos of a similar safe to the one stolen as well as vehicles that were in the vicinity of the Badger residence from midnight to 12:05 a.m. Dec. 8, 2012.
Anyone with information should call Indiana State Police Senior Trooper BJ Patterson or First Sergeant Jason Fajt at the Putnamville Post (765) 653-4114 or Sullivan County Sheriff Clark Cottom or Chief Deputy Jason Bobbitt at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line 1-800-589-0805.
This is an active investigation and all tips will be investigated. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
