Monticello man kills his mother and half-sister

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - Police received a 911 call just before 1:30 Saturday morning of a possible stabbing at a home on East Richey Park in Monticello. When they arrived they found 20-year-old David Scott Rodenbarger inside the home he shared with his mother, Michelle Haskins, and half-sister, Jillian Haskins.

Indiana State Police Detective Sgt. Bryan Harper said shortly after arriving they found both Michelle and Jillian.
    
"Upon further investigation there they found his mother stabbed to death in the home and his half sister had injuries also from a stabbing," Harper said.

Police said Rodenbarger's mother died in the home and 6-year-old Jillian was brought to White Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Before she died 41-year-old Michelle was able to call 911.

Harper said police aren't sure why the young man killed his own mother and half-sister.

"We're still trying to put those pieces together to make sure we know exactly what happened. It's still under investigation," Harper said.

Roger Clendenen lives next door to the family and told News 18 he was shocked to hear what happened only a few yards from the house he just moved into. He said he didn't get a chance to meet Rodenbarger or Michelle and Jillian Haskins.

"My mom used to live here and she said it was always a quiet, peaceful neighborhood. She always felt safe here, so we thought we were moving into a quiet neighborhood," Clendenen said.

According to neighbors, only about five families live in the neighborhood on Lake Freeman year round. Jim Ousley's family is one of those and he said he was shocked to hear the news about the family he didn't get the chance to meet.

"Obviously it's a very sad event and it's shocking and it's unfortunate that something had to happen like this," Ousley said.

Another neighbor, Debbie Cetera, said she met Michelle one time and described her as "very nice."

Rodenbarger is being held at the White County Jail where he has been charged with murder. Police said he may face further charges as the investigation continues.

Indiana State Police, Monticello Police and the White County Sheriff's Office responded to the incident.