Washington Times-Herald
SULLIVAN —
SULLIVAN — James B. Gardner, 24, of Elnora, surrendered to Indiana State Police detectives at 9 a.m. Wednesday in connection with a Sept. 1 altercation in Dugger that resulted in a man’s death.
A warrant was issued through Sullivan Superior Court for Gardner’s arrest on Sept. 7, but he had eluded police.
He was accompanied by his attorney when he surrendered at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. Gardner is charged with involuntary manslaughter, a Class C felony, in the incident and is being held at the Sullivan County Jail on $15,000 cash bond.
His initial hearing is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday.
The Sept. 1 altercation occurred around 1:28 a.m. at the Uptown Tavern in Dugger. Gardner allegedly punched Richard D. Pigg, 51, on the side of the face, causing him to fall and strike his head on the floor.
Pigg was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis for his injuries and pronounced dead at 7 p.m. the same day. An autopsy by the Marion County Coroner’s Office revealed Pigg died of blunt force trauma to the head.
ISP Detective Tom Hanks was the lead investigator in the case. He was assisted by ISP Detective First Sergeant Jeff Hearon, ISP Crime Scene Investigator Kris Fitzgerald, the Dugger Town Marshal’s Office, Sullivan County Sheriff Bryan Kinnett and deputies, and the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office.
