An Indiana man accused of killing a boy and his stepmother as teenagers has been arrested after 20 years on the run.
Michael Jerome James, 35, was arrested Friday at his Shelbyville home, more than two decades after Chynna Dickus, 26, and her 10-year-old stepson Blake Dickus were found stabbed to death in their Franklin home.
Dale Fornett, a neighbor of the suspect, told Fox59 that Franklin police, Shelby County police and an FBI agent arrested the suspect.
James was 14 at the time of the killings, but Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said the suspect, who has been charged with two counts of murder, will be tried as an adult.
Prosecutors have yet to reveal evidence they say links James to the double murder.
“All I can say is [police] “We presented an investigation to the grand jury,” Hamner said.
“The grand jury heard the evidence over three weeks and then they returned the indictment.”
The boys’ father, Sean Dickus, discovered the bodies in his home in July 2006 after returning home from get off work.
Chynna Dickus was stabbed to death and Blake Dickus was knifed, beaten and suffocated.
A source with knowledge of the investigation told WTHR that James grew up just a few miles from the murder scene.
James, who was born in Texas and lived in the Shelbyville area for two years after leaving Franklin, was adopted by his aunt and moved to Indiana after his mother died, according to neighbors.
Sources revealed that James and his sister were removed from their Texas home by Child Protective Services as his mother struggled with drug addiction.
Despite the arrest, the motive for the killing remains unclear.
“What was he thinking at that time, wanting to do something to those people at such a young age, especially that little boy?” Nancy Nigh, James’ neighbor, told Fox59.
In 2015, investigators suspected the burglary might be connected to the murder. A burglary occurred the day Chynna Dickus and Blake Dickus were killed.
Police are also investigating whether this was related to domestic violence.
Franklin Police Chief Kirby Cochran praised the department’s response to the indictment by refusing to “let the case go cold.”
“For 20 years, Blake and Chinner’s families have endured unimaginable loss and waited for this day,” he said.
“On behalf of the Franklin Police Department, I want them to know that we never forget their loved ones and we never stop seeking justice.
“[Officers] Ongoing efforts have brought a degree of resolution to the victims, their families and the community.
“This indictment represents the culmination of 20 years of dedicated and dedicated investigative work.
“Detectives reviewed evidence, pursued new leads, utilized advances in forensic science, and remained committed to Blake, Chinner and their families every step of the way.”
Hamner said police are not looking for any other suspects or accomplices in connection with the killing.
Just days before Friday’s arrest, the reward for information about the slayings quadrupled to $100,000.
“It’s time for those who know the truth to come forward. It’s time for answers,” Hamner said.