Man Charged in 1994 Porter County Crimes After Serving 30-Year Murder Sentence

Fred R. Pewitt faces attempted murder and resisting arrest charges in Porter County related to a 1994 case, after being released from prison for a Jasper County murder conviction.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Fred R. Pewitt, 51, has been charged with attempted murder and resisting arrest in Porter County, Indiana for crimes that occurred in 1994. Pewitt had just been released from prison after serving over 30 years for a murder and kidnapping conviction in a separate Jasper County case from the same time period. He is now being held on $100,000 cash bond as he faces the new charges in Porter County.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of reintegrating offenders back into society after long prison sentences, as well as the potential for repeat offenses and ongoing public safety concerns, even decades later. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing and addressing violent crimes.

The details

According to court records, on October 20, 1994, the day before Pewitt was charged with murder and kidnapping in Jasper County, he hijacked a pickup truck at gunpoint in Porter County and fired at a sheriff's deputy who was in pursuit. Pewitt was eventually apprehended, and scrapings from the truck showed evidence of a bullet strike. He was charged with attempted murder and resisting arrest in Porter County, but those charges were put on hold while he served his 50-year sentence for the Jasper County murder. Now that Pewitt has been released from prison, he is facing those Porter County charges.

  • On October 20, 1994, Pewitt hijacked a pickup truck and fired at a sheriff's deputy in Porter County.
  • On October 21, 1994, Pewitt was charged with murder and kidnapping in the Jasper County case.
  • On May 15, 1995, Pewitt was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the Jasper County murder.
  • On April 15, 2026, Pewitt was released from prison and booked into the Porter County Jail on the 1994 charges.
  • Pewitt's next court date in the Porter County case is scheduled for June 10, 2026.

The players

Fred R. Pewitt

A 51-year-old man who was recently released from prison after serving over 30 years for a murder and kidnapping conviction in Jasper County. He is now facing new charges of attempted murder and resisting arrest in Porter County for related crimes from 1994.

Judge Jeffrey Clymer

The Porter Superior Court judge presiding over Pewitt's current case.

Mark Chargualaf

The public defender appointed to represent Pewitt in the Porter County case.

Taylor Poulos

The Porter County Deputy Prosecutor handling the case against Pewitt.

Thomas Webber

The late Porter Superior Court judge who originally set Pewitt's $100,000 cash bond in the 1994 Porter County case.

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What they’re saying

“Quite frankly, I don't believe he's going to be a flight risk.”

— Mark Chargualaf, Public Defender

“We're now going to address whether that bond should remain in force.”

— Judge Jeffrey Clymer, Porter Superior Court Judge

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on June 10 whether to keep Pewitt's $100,000 cash bond in place or reduce it. Pewitt's pretrial hearing is scheduled for July 22, and his trial is set to begin with jury selection on August 24.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of reintegrating violent offenders back into society and the potential risks to public safety, even decades after their original crimes. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenses and protecting communities in the long term.