LaGrange, Ind. (WOWO) — The Indiana State Police Cold Case Unit is asking the public for information in the 1969 death of an Amish teenager who was fatally injured when a large rock was thrown from a passing vehicle in LaGrange County.
According to newspaper accounts from the time, the incident occurred around midnight on March 22, 1969, on LaGrange County Road 300 West near County Road 350 South. The victim, Mervin Lehman, was traveling in a horse-drawn buggy with his nephew when the rock struck him.
After the impact, the two hurried home for help. A neighbor then drove Lehman to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Investigators say the case is especially notable because a second, similar incident occurred the same night approximately two miles away. In that incident, another Amish buggy was struck by an object thrown from a passing vehicle, injuring both occupants. Authorities believe the two cases may be connected.
More than five decades later, the Indiana State Police Cold Case Unit continues to investigate and hopes someone may still have information about the incidents.
The Indiana State Police Cold Case Team is asking for the communities assistance in this case. If anyone has tips, remembers anything of interest, or has information from either incident, they are encouraged to call the Indiana State Police Area 2 Cold Case Team at 1-800-453-4756 or email ispcoldcase@isp.in.gov.
The Indiana State Police Cold Case Team is asking for the communities assistance in this case. If anyone has tips, remembers anything of interest, or has information from either incident, they are encouraged to call the Indiana State Police Area 2 Cold Case Team at 1-800-453-4756 or email ispcoldcase@isp.in.gov .
