INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A man convicted in the 1993 cold case murder of an Indianapolis woman has been sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Dana Shepherd, 53, was convicted of one count of murder Friday morning. Other charges of rape and an additional count of murder were dismissed.

News 8 previously reported on Shepherd following his arrest in September 2024.

Carmen Van Huss was found dead in her apartment on March 24, 1993. She’d been found by her father, who came to check on her after she’d missed several phone calls.

Following some time of investigation, her case ran cold. Through genetic testing and advanced analytics, IMPD announced they’d identified Shepherd as a suspect 31 years later.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears on Friday said his hope is Shepherd’s sentence will provide justice to Van Huss’s family.

“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,” he said. “Our hope is that this resolution brings a measure of justice and peace to her loved ones, after three decades of waiting for answers.”

Shepherd will serve his sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction. Court records did not indicate if or when he’d be eligible for parole.

Help is available for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Below is a list of suggested resources, both national and local:

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Inside Edition host Eva Pilgrim shared strategies for securing last-minute Valentine’s Day reservations and provided updates on the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation in Tucson during an appearance on WISH-TV.

Pilgrim encouraged diners to call restaurants directly rather than relying solely on reservation apps, saying personal communication and flexibility can improve the chances of booking a table during the busy holiday weekend. She also suggested considering larger party sizes, lunch reservations or celebrating on an alternate date to increase availability.

For those unable to secure reservations, Pilgrim noted that many couples are opting to celebrate at home by cooking meals themselves or ordering takeout, emphasizing that the holiday is centered more on spending time together than on a specific setting.

Pilgrim also discussed the kidnapping investigation involving Nancy Guthrie in Tucson. Correspondent Jim Murray is reporting from the scene as authorities continue to release new details in the rapidly developing case.

She said the investigation has drawn widespread national attention as the public awaits further information from law enforcement. Pilgrim also addressed the role of social media in modern news stories, noting that online speculation often spreads quickly and requires careful verification by journalists.

Pilgrim described the case as especially personal within the media community because of the victim’s connection to Savannah Guthrie, adding that journalists aim to balance public interest with sensitivity toward the families involved.

“Inside Edition” airs weekdays at 7 p.m. on WISH-TV. Authorities in Tucson are expected to provide additional updates as the investigation continues.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Valentine’s Day is two days away, and flower shops across Indy are in overdrive.

News 8 stopped by to check in on the Flower Boys at Fletcher Place on Thursday morning. Co-owner Jake Smith says they were preparing for a busy Thursday, Friday, and Valentine’s Day.

Much of the holiday-ordering starts months in advance, Smith says. “This is months in the works, and all of these flowers are ordered months in advance. We’re processing it, prepping it, and putting them in boxes.”

Smith says that for the most popular holiday flowers, roses and tulips have stayed consistent fan favorites over the years. The pricing for roses has also remained the same.

For those who are wondering how to make your flowers last longer, here are Smith’s main tips: 

• Change the water frequently.
• Give the flowers fresh cuts on the stems.