Charges for the September beating and murder of Donald Gentry were placed Tuesday afternoon against registered sex offender John Griffin, 63.
Donald Gentry was found dead Sept. 12 having been beaten to death. His girlfriend found his body.
Gentry was previously charged and convicted on charges of dealing methamphetamine and
other drugs.
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain said law enforcement investigators followed up on leads from witnesses and tips which pointed to Griffin as the alleged murderer. According to the press release, Griffin was identified as a suspect two weeks ago and the investigation developed from there.
Griffin was convicted in 1997 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with a minor in Bartholomew County. As a registered sex offender, he was required to appear at the sheriff’s office weekly.
Swain said he believes Griffin pretended to be interested in buying drugs from Gentry and used the opportunity to try to rip-off Gentry for drugs or money.
Griffin is in custody and the murder charge is pending.
Dominick Jean
