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

VIDEO: Mayor Mollaun Gives 2026 State of the City Address

Mayor Mollaun is in the final two years of his third and final term.

NKY Father, Son Arrested on Robbery Charges

The charges stem from an allegedly robbery in Hebron.

Leising's Veterinary Bill Passes Out of House Committee

The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

Local Sports Report - February 13-14, 2026

Girls Swim State Finals, Boys Wrestling Semi-State, and Boys Basketball results.

Local Stars Named to IFCA Region 10 All-Star Team

Making the IFCA Region Team is the first step in qualifying for the North/South All-Star Game in July.

Local Sports Report - February 12, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Brad Paisley - Truck Still Works

Keith Whitley I'm Over You 19:20
Montgomery Gentry Something To Be Proud Of - Eagle ONLY No Intro 19:16
Conway Twitty Tight-Fitting Jeans 19:13
Chris Young and Mitchell Tenpenny At the End of a Bar 19:09