A man who raped, stabbed and murdered a 19-year-old Indianapolis woman more than 30 years ago was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Friday, closing a decades-old cold case.

Dana Shepherd, 53, was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Friday, after signing a plea deal last month admitting to the killing of Carmen Van Huss, local outlets reported, ending a decades-old cold case.

“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,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. “Our hope is that this resolution brings a measure of justice and peace to her loved ones, after three decades of waiting for answers.”

Van Huss was murdered in 1993 at the age of 19 after she was raped and stabbed 61 times by a man who broke into her apartment, FOX 59 reported.

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According to the outlet, Van Huss’ body was found by her father, and police said she was lying in a large pool of blood. There were signs of a struggle, police said, including a knocked over table and scattered objects.

More than 30 years after the killing, Missouri police arrested Shepherd and extradited him to Indianapolis to face charges of murder and rape with deadly force, the outlet said.

Shepherd — who was 20 years old at the time of the murder — wasn’t connected to the investigation until DNA testing tied him to the case.

FBI SOLVES ‘COLONIAL PARKWAY’ MURDERS THANKS TO NEW TECHNOLOGY, BUREAU SAYS

Shepherd was arrested in August 2024 in Columbia, Missouri, and after being extradited to Indianapolis, was scheduled to go to trial next week until a plea agreement was filed Tuesday, where Shepherd admitted to the murder charge. The additional charges were dismissed.

FOX 59 reported that Shepherd had a criminal history in Indiana before committing the murder, including charges for battery and public intoxication. After 1993, he was also charged in Missouri with stealing, disturbing the peace and driving without a license.

The Van Huss family released a statement reacting to the sentencing.

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“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,” the family stated.

“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.”

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – Detroit 75 Kitchen, the popular food truck, is opening its first dine-in location in Oakland County this week.

The new dine-in location, at 32275 Stephenson Highway, officially opens on Friday, Feb. 20, according to a release.

Chef Mike and his brother, Ahmad Nassar, launched Detroit 75 Kitchen from a food trailer parked at their family’s truck stop on Fort Street near the Ambassador Bridge. Originally focused on feeding truck drivers and nearby workers, the operation quickly gained a following.

The brothers later tested demand with a pop-up at the former Sears Auto Center near Oakland Mall. After seeing strong community support, they decided to open a permanent restaurant in Madison Heights.

“Madison Heights is exactly where we want to be,” said Ahmad Nassar, co-owner of Detroit 75 Kitchen. “We started by feeding truck drivers—people who want real food at a fair price. We’re not trying to be a destination restaurant where you visit once for Instagram. We want to be the place you stop for lunch, on your way home from work, where you know the staff and they know your order. That’s what a neighborhood sandwich shop should be.”

The new restaurant represents a $1.5 million investment and will employ 25 full-time team members.

The space features a bright retro-diner design with terrazzo-style floors, mid-century-inspired finishes and unique touches like recycled Faygo pop bottles embedded in tabletops. The walls display awards, memorabilia from Detroit sporting events and art celebrating Detroit’s food culture.

A seasonal patio is expected to open later this spring.

The grand opening aligns with the first Friday of Lent, which is typically one of the business’s busiest times of year, according to the release.

During Lent, the new Madison Heights location will offer a daily seafood menu featuring its Fisher Fwy. Fish sandwich in catfish, haddock and Lake Erie walleye varieties, along with fish and chips and a shrimp po’ boy. Additional Lent specials are also planned.

The brand was previously named one of the Top 3 Food Trucks in the U.S. and also ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants in the country by US Weekly.

The dine-in restaurant is located at 32275 Stephenson Highway. It will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The restaurant will be closed on Sundays.

Each week, a member of TMJ4’s staff goes to a local fish fry destination and reviews their product. This week, Community Correspondent and Traffic Anchor Kidd O’Shea visited Pitch’s in Milwaukee:

Friday night fish fry with my parents and my partner Kyle at Pitch’s Lounge and Restaurant on Humboldt might have just set a new standard for me in Milwaukee.

Previous Fish Fry Blogs:

We started with a drink at the bar, and before we even ordered, we overheard two different people recommending the pan-fried perch. That was all we needed to hear — decision made. Great call. The perch was perfectly cooked, lightly crisp on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and they give you a really nice portion of fish. At $20.95, it feels like a solid value for the quality and size.

I went classic with my sides — hashbrowns and coleslaw — and added a cup of the clam chowder, which was rich and comforting without being overly heavy. A bread basket comes for the table (always appreciated), and you can even upgrade to a full sourdough loaf for an extra $5 if you want to go all in.

TMJ4

Jimmy took great care of us at the bar, and Susan, one of the waitresses, mentioned she watches TMJ4 News Today every morning — which made it feel even more like home.

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It was so good I forgot to take a picture until I was halfway through.

Great food, generous portions, warm service, and that unbeatable Milwaukee Friday fish fry vibe.

Pitch’s is located at 1801 N. Humboldt Ave., Milwaukee. Visit their website here.

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