VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— A man accused of shooting at two Vermillion County Sheriff’s Deputies in 2023, injuring one of them, was found guilty on all charges.
As we previously reported, an officer in Danville, Illinois, attempted to pull over a car in February 2023, being driven by Justin Henry of Urbana, Illinois. Instead, they said that Henry took off and a chase ensued.
As officers closed in around Dana, Indiana, court testimony showed Henry shot Vermillion County Sheriff’s Deputy Joey Wilson and shot at Deputy Keith Warner.
In court Wednesday morning, Special Judge Hunter Reece found Justin Henry guilty on all four counts, including two counts of attempted murder, possession of methamphetamine, resisting law enforcement, and the habitual offender enhancement.
The bench trial continued Wednesday morning with the state calling back lead investigator, Indiana State Police Sgt. Michael Featherling to the stand. Featherling walked the court through DNA and fingerprint evidence. He stated that the analysis linked Justin Henry to the gun used the night Vermillion County deputy Joey Wilson was shot.
Deputy Prosecutor Mark Christoff questioned Rafael Perez, a forensic firearms expert with the Indiana State Police. Perez gave testimony on how the weapon worked and what actions would’ve been required in order for Henry to fire it.
The state also called a former Fountain County deputy, who was also a former Army Ranger, to the stand. He described the scene that night as a “rampage” and described Henry as a threat.
Justin Henry was given the opportunity to testify, but he chose not to do so.
Vermillion County Prosecutor Bruce Aukerman referenced the principle, “Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy.”
During closing arguments, Aukerman emphasized Henry’s intent, saying, “He pointed a gun at things he wanted to destroy, people he wanted to kill.”
The defense argued that Henry couldn’t see the deputies due to bright patrol lights and was firing at the vehicles.
Judge Hunter Reece returned his verdict just before 11 a.m. Wednesday. Reece found Henry guilty on all charges.
Henry’s bail was revoked, and sentencing was set for August 15 at 2 p.m.
