DNA Evidence Solves 30-Year-Old Indianapolis Cold Case

Dana Shepherd sentenced to 45 years in prison for 1993 rape and murder of Carmen Van Huss

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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More than 30 years after the brutal rape and murder of 19-year-old Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis, DNA evidence has led to the arrest and conviction of Dana Shepherd, who was 20 years old at the time of the crime. Shepherd was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the power of DNA evidence in solving cold cases, even decades after the crime was committed. It also underscores the importance of continued investigations and the pursuit of justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed.

The details

In 1993, Carmen Van Huss was raped and stabbed 61 times in her Indianapolis apartment. Her body was found by her father, and police noted signs of a struggle, including a knocked over table and scattered objects. For over 30 years, the case remained unsolved until DNA testing tied Dana Shepherd to the crime. Shepherd, who had a prior criminal history in Indiana, was arrested in Missouri in 2024 and extradited to Indianapolis. He pleaded guilty to the murder charge, and the additional rape charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal.

  • Carmen Van Huss was murdered in 1993 at the age of 19.
  • Dana Shepherd, who was 20 years old at the time of the murder, was arrested in August 2024 in Columbia, Missouri.
  • Shepherd pleaded guilty to the murder charge in February 2026 and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

The players

Dana Shepherd

A 53-year-old man who was convicted of the 1993 rape and murder of Carmen Van Huss in Indianapolis. Shepherd had a prior criminal history in Indiana before committing the murder, including charges for battery and public intoxication.

Carmen Van Huss

A 19-year-old woman who was raped and stabbed 61 times in her Indianapolis apartment in 1993.

Ryan Mears

The Marion County Prosecutor who stated that the conviction brings a measure of justice and peace to Carmen Van Huss' loved ones after three decades of waiting for answers.

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What they’re saying

“While no passage of time can ever heal the unimaginable loss Carmen's family has endured, we are grateful to secure a murder conviction more than 30 years after this heinous crime. Our hope is that this resolution brings a measure of justice and peace to her loved ones, after three decades of waiting for answers.”

— Ryan Mears, Marion County Prosecutor (foxnews.com)

“While this plea deal was not our first choice, we are grateful that after 33 years the man responsible for Carmen's brutal rape and murder is finally being held accountable. For decades, the perpetrator was able to live a normal life after taking that right away from Carmen and from our family. Nothing can undo that loss or erase the injustice of him living freely for so long, but we are thankful that the truth has finally come to light and that he has not escaped justice.”

— Van Huss Family (foxnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Dana Shepherd to be released on bail while he awaits sentencing.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of persistent investigations and the power of DNA evidence in solving even the oldest cold cases. It also highlights the lasting trauma and injustice felt by victims' families when perpetrators evade justice for decades, underscoring the need for continued efforts to bring closure and accountability in such cases.