Indianapolis, IN
Man sentenced in 1993 cold case murder of Indianapolis woman
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) — Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center announced it received new federal funding for facility upgrades aimed at improving care for veterans.
The funding is part of a nationwide $4.8 billion investment through the VA’s maintenance program.
In a release, hospital leaders say the upgrades will help ensure safer facilities and better care for local veterans.
The projects include repairing roofs on two buildings and replacing the parking garage sprinkler system.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “this investment is just one of the many ways the Trump Administration is making VA work better for veterans.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says 100,000 new veterans have been enrolled in VA health care this year, and since January 2025, 34 new VA health care facilities have opened.
In addition, 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country have been permanently housed in the 2025 fiscal year, according to the release.
“Improved facilities, equipment and infrastructure mean better care for Veterans, and these funds will enable Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center to achieve that goal,” Michael Hershman, Medical Center Director said.
“Better care for Veterans is our goal, and these projects will enable us to achieve just that.”
(WISH) — The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood and platelets this month at new donation centers in Indianapolis and Noblesville.
Donors have a chance to win tickets to the June 4 Indiana Fever game vs. the Atlanta Dream and receive a beach towel while supplies last.
The drives aim to ensure a stable blood supply during summer, with specific incentives offered for donations made through May 31.
The Indianapolis center is at 1510 N. Meridian St. The Noblesville center is at 14765 Hazel Dell Crossing.
To make an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or visit RedCrossBlood.org.
This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.
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