Lawrenceburg Man Sentenced For His Role In A Woman's Suicide

William F. Skipton was sentenced in Dearborn County Court on Friday.

William F. Skipton (left) and Steven Melrose, Jr. Photos by Dearborn County Sheriff's Department.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A Lawrenceburg man will spend nearly 20 years in prison for his role in a Lawrenceburg woman's death. 

A woman was found dead on May 20 in a parking lot near The Levee Breaker Bar in downtown Lawrenceburg. She had been shot, but police were initially unsure whether the shooting was self-inflicted because the gun and shells were removed from the scene.

Through the investigation, police learned that William Ford Skipton had allegedly been the one to remove the weapon and shells, hiding them in the ceiling tiles of the bar. Steven Melrose, Jr. was the one to call 911 but he lied about the whereabouts of the gun. 

Skipton was ultimately charged in June with Assisting Suicide (level 5 felony), Carrying a Handgun Without a License (level 5 felony), Operating a Motor Vehicle After Forfeiture of License for Life (level 5 felony), and Obstruction of Justice (level 6 felony). 

Skipton pleaded guilty and was sentenced in Dearborn County Court on Friday to 18 years behind bars. 

Melrose, Jr., was sentenced earlier this to one year probation for false informing. 

RELATED STORIES: 

Friend, Bartender Charged For Hiding Weapon, Misleading Statements In Woman's Suicide

 

 

 

More from Local News


Events

Indiana Winter Weather Preparedness Week is Nov. 9-15

Hoosiers are encouraged to take steps now to protect themselves from the hazards of severe winter weather.

Catholic Parishes in Dearborn Co. to Host Pre-Turkey, Gobble Wobble 5K's

The events support three food pantries in the area to help feed families in need this holiday season.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrates One Year of Business for Local Event Planner

Bloom & Brew Events operates out of Batesville.

Local Sports Report - November 5, 2025

East Central hosted South Dearborn to tip off the girls basketball season.

Local Sports Report - November 4, 2025

The Girls High School Basketball Season got underway on Tuesday.

EC's Bentley Caps Off Incredible Career, Batesville's Wade Shines in First Season

The IHSAA Cross Country State Finals took place on Saturday.

On Air

Chelsie playing
LanCo and Cory Asbury - We Grew Up Together

Toby Keith Who's Your Daddy 6:32
LoCash Wrong Hearts 6:29
Collin Raye I Want You Bad (That Ain't Good) 6:24
Rodney Atkins Caught Up In The Country 6:21