Police: Rape preceded Benton Co. murder

FOWLER, Ind. (WLFI) - A Benton County jury will decide the fate of a man accused of murdering his fiancée last November.

58-year-old Steven R. Farrell is on trial for the 2009 murder of his girlfriend, 40-year-old Christine R. Craig. Her family has told News Channel 18 that the couple was set to be married that day.

In the second day of testimony Tuesday, the prosecution questioned Indiana State Police Sergeant Bryan Harper about his investigation of the crime. During his testimony, new details in the case emerged.

Harper said before the murder occurred, Farrell allegedly raped one of Craig's family members, who was a minor.

On November 27, 2009 Craig traveled to Benton County Road 1050 East, just north of U.S. 52 to meet Craig. When Craig confronted Farrell, he allegedly shot her in the shoulder. She later died from the gunshot wound.

Also during Harper's testimony Tuesday, information surfaced that suggested Farrell was already married during the time he was planning to wed Craig.

Harper said that he received a call from a friend of Farrell's during the search for Farrell . She told police they could locate Farrell's car at the Indianapolis International Airport, and she said they would find his wife, Toni Farrell, at the airport as well.

The trial is scheduled through tomorrow, but could last until Friday.