Man Arrested 20 Years After Alleged Double Murder as Teen

Michael Jerome James, now 35, was arrested Friday at his Shelbyville home, nearly two decades after Chynna Dickus, 26, and her stepson, Blake Dickus, 10, were found murdered in their Franklin residence.

Franklin Police, Shelby County Police, and an FBI agent took James into custody. He faces two counts of murder and, despite being 14 at the time of the killings, will be tried as an adult, according to Lance Hamner, a Johnson County prosecutor.

Prosecutors have not yet detailed the evidence linking James to the slayings, but Hamner stated that an investigation was presented to a grand jury, which heard evidence over three weeks before returning an indictment.

The victims' bodies were discovered in July 2006 by Sean Dickus, Blake's father, upon his return from work. Chynna Dickus died from stab wounds, while Blake Dickus sustained stab wounds, beatings, and suffocation.

James, who was born in Texas, had moved to Indiana with his aunt after his mother's death and grew up in the vicinity of the crime scene. He had been living in Shelbyville for the past two years, having previously resided in Franklin.

Investigators previously explored potential links to burglaries, including one that occurred on the same day as the murders. They also considered a possible domestic violence connection. The motive for the killings remains unclear.

Franklin Police Chief Kirby Cochran commended the officers for their sustained effort in seeking justice for the victims and their families, noting that the indictment is the culmination of 20 years of investigative work. Police stated they are not seeking any other suspects in connection with the homicides.

The arrest occurred shortly after the reward for information regarding the killings was increased to $100,000. Hamner urged individuals with knowledge of the case to come forward.