Details emerge in Gibson murder case

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Three people living in the same home as the victim went before the magistrate today to hear what charges have been brought against them in connection to the murder of 26-year-old Lafayette resident Jeremy Gibson.

Those hearing their charges were 20-year-old Darren Englert, 25-year-old Antonio Williams and 20-year-old Carolann Clear. Magistrate Norris Wang informed all three that they are facing charges of information of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, both class A felonies.

Gibson's family was there as the three defendants appeared in court. They arrived at the jail in vehicles which bore the words "Justice for Jeremy." Family members held hands and put arms around each other as each defendant walked into the court room.

As Clear was read her rights, she used a tissue to wipe away tears and appeared to be on the verge of crying during the initial hearing.

In spite of Clear's apparent emotions in the courtroom, the affidavit of probable cause filed in the case alleges that Clear actively aided in Gibson's murder.

The affidavit states Williams told police he and Clear beat Gibson at Gibson's home, late on July 5 and into the early morning on July 6. The affidavit states the three defendants forced Gibson into a car. In the court documents, Clear said Gibson was pleading for his life. Williams told police Englert had a belt around Gibson's neck during the drive.

According to the affidavit, Clear admitted to police that she had taunted Gibson during the drive while being intimate with Englert.

Williams told police they stopped at another house to get a pick axe, shovel, paint thinner, can of gasoline and a hatchet.

The documents state that a bag was placed over Gibson's head once they got to County Road 500 North. The report also said Williams and Englert hit Gibson in the head with a pick axe and shovel multiple times. Court documents state Clear was watching for traffic when Gibson died, and at one point told the two men they hit like girls.

The two men then dug a hole and buried Gibson.

Police said when they found Gibson's body, it appeared to have acid burns. Police found a pick axe, hatchet and shovel in the Wabash River Friday.

Williams, Englert and Clear all have to file their motions by August 26 at 8:30 in the morning. A tentative jury trial date is set for October 4.

Judge Wang told the three defendants they cannot post bond. Wang explained conspiracy to commit murder carries a 20-50 years and murder carries 45-65 year sentence, if convicted.

Gibson's family declined to comment on camera, but did make several comments during today's hearing, obviously upset. When Englert left the courtroom, many in Gibson's family stood up and watched him leave.