Knox County Prosecutor Dirk Carnahan is addressing questions and other issues surrounding the case against 32-year-old Dylan Allen Smith, charged with the August 5 murder of 30-year-old Taylor Hendershot outside Cardinal Liquors in Vincennes.
Carnahan confirmed that his office has also filed a Notice of Intent to Seek an Enhanced Sentence, based on allegations that Smith used a firearm in the crime. If convicted, Smith faces 45 to 65 years in prison for murder, plus an additional 5 to 20 years for the firearm enhancement.
He said the death penalty will not be sought, explaining that Indiana law lists 18 specific factors that must be present to request it, and none apply in this case. Smith is already charged with the most serious offense available under state law.
Carnahan said he normally does not comment on a defendant’s prior record but felt it was important here due to misinformation circulating, especially on social media. He said Smith’s Knox County record consists mostly of misdemeanor offenses from 8 to 15 years ago, with the only felony being a possession of a controlled substance conviction. The only recent local charge was resisting law enforcement, for which bond was set according to local court rules.
He warned that inaccurate information can discourage victims of domestic violence from seeking help. “This community cares. The people in the ‘system’ fight every single day despite what the uninformed say about them,” Carnahan said.
He was adamant is expressing that the community cares and people in the legal system fight every single day despite what is said about them. He added they are always limited by the law and the actual evidence in a case, but within those limitations, local law enforcement and the attorneys and staff in his office will do everything humanly possible to assist someone needing help.
Smith’s initial hearing has been held, and the Indiana State Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him. He remains in the Knox County Jail without bond. His jury trial is scheduled for November 4, with pre-trial hearings in October.
Carnahan also stated that all suspects are presumed innocent until convicted.