Andrew Wilhoite wins Lebanon, Indiana, primary despite murder charge

An Indiana man accused of killing his spouse in March and dumping her physique in a creek gained his township board  major elections.

Andrew Wilhoite, from Lebanon, a metropolis about 30 miles northwest of Indianapolis, has been charged with homicide within the dying of his spouse, Nikki Wilhoite, 41.

On Tuesday, he secured a spot as one among three Republican candidates within the race for a seat on the Clinton Township Board.

Wilhoite, 40, has been held on the Boone County Jail since March after police stated he advised investigators he threw a concrete flower pot at his spouse and dropped her physique over the aspect of a bridge.

Nikki Wilhoite was reported lacking March 25 after her pal seen she didn’t present up for work. On March 26, police discovered her physique partially submerged in about 3 toes of water.

Investigators stated Andrew Wilhoite initially advised police he final noticed his spouse sleeping on the sofa after the couple had an argument, in accordance with court docket information. When police spoke additional with him, he requested for an legal professional.

Police stated Andrew Wilhoite known as once more and stated he’d take them to his spouse’s physique.

Nikki Wilhoite filed for divorce on March 17 after 12 years of marriage, court docket information present.

ELECTION RESULTS:Here is what occurred throughout and outcomes of the 2022 Indiana major election

How can a candidate run for workplace whereas dealing with felony prices?

State election officers stated it’s authorized for individuals dealing with felony prices, equivalent to Andrew Wilhoite, to run for native workplace. An individual is barely ineligible if they’re convicted.

“Underneath our authorized system, each particular person is harmless till confirmed responsible,” stated Brad King, co-director of the Indiana Election Division.

If Wilhoite is convicted of a felony earlier than the Nov. 8 basic election, he can be routinely faraway from the poll.

The Boone County Clerk’s workplace stated election filings occurred in the beginning of January by means of the primary week of February, earlier than Wilhoite was taken into custody on his homicide cost.

If an individual dealing with felony prices is elected in a township race and they’re convicted after being sworn in, King stated the emptiness shall be crammed by somebody affiliated with the political celebration of the final particular person to have the seat. 

Township boards encompass three members, state officers stated. The native Republican major race has solely drawn the three candidates. Nobody filed on the Democratic major ticket.

Boone County election outcomes present Andrew Wilhoite earned 60 votes, simply over 21%, to his opponents’ 110 and 106 votes. Clinton Township has a inhabitants of 906, in accordance with knowledge from STATS Indiana. 

A FLOWER POT, BLOOD IN THE BEDROOM:Particulars into Nikki Wilhoite’s dying revealed

King additional famous that there is not any regulation prohibiting an individual who’s incarcerated earlier than trial from “exercising the duties of their workplace,” ought to they get elected.

“How that virtually will get executed will rely on the details,” King stated. 

Wilhoite’s subsequent court docket listening to is scheduled for Could 27. The Indianapolis Star, a part of the USA TODAY Community, has reached out to Andrew Wilhoite’s legal professional for remark. 

Contributing: The Related Press