Police have made an arrest in connection with Amanda Blackburn's murderer. That's some good news for Pastor Davey Blackburn and the family. Blackburn said that he is, "extremely relieved" that there has been an arrest and that investigators are saying that they have a, "solidly built case." But Blackburn adds that it still doesn't, "undo the pain we feel."
An 18 year-old-male, Larry Taylor, was arrested, as well two other men, Jalen Watson and Diano Gordon. Indianapolis police have said that all of the men will be charged with at least three other robberies and Amanda Blackburn's rape. Taylor was arrested with the assistance of U.S. Marshals and the Indianapolis violent crime detectives unit.
The three men apparently entered the unlocked house after Davey Blackburn had left for the gym on the morning of November 10. They had found Amanda Blackburn at home, stolen the pastor's ATM card, and two of the men left to withdraw money while one stayed behind, raped Amanda Blackburn, and then shot her in the head while her toddler lay asleep in his crib upstairs. Detectives were able to piece together who the suspects were through ATM receipts they found in a car that the suspects had stolen earlier in the month.
Indianapolis Police Chief Rick Hite publically thanked all who were involved in solving the case: "We are thankful to our federal, state and local partnerships that aided in the apprehension of the suspect in this terrible and senseless crime. All victims of criminal homicides deserve closure, and as a community we must send a collective message that violence is not an option. Our detectives have worked tirelessly going days without sleep to solve murders in our city."
Pastor Davey released a statement on the Resonate Church Facebook page in which he expressed his gratitude that his wife's killer had been caught and his gratitude toward all who help to investigate and solve the case.
His statement also said, "My hope is for 3 things in the weeks and months to come:
(1) That the court system would have wisdom on how to prosecute this man so that no one else endures the pain Amanda and our family have had to endure because of his actions.
(2) That through all of this and although there will be great consequences for his actions, he would become truly sorry for what he has done and would even begin to experience the life-transforming power of the Grace and Mercy of Jesus Christ.
(3) That Jesus would give me and our family a heart of forgiveness.
Though everything inside of me wants to hate, be angry, and slip into despair I choose the route of forgiveness, grace and hope. If there is one thing I've learned from Amanda in the 10 years we were together, it's this: Choosing to let my emotions drive my decisions is the recipe for a hopeless and fruitless life. Today I am deciding to love, not hate. Today I am deciding to extend forgiveness, not bitterness. Today I am deciding to hope, not despair. By Jesus' power at work within us, the best is STILL yet to come. Even when I don't see it, I believe it to be true."
