Sonya Lynn Armontrout
After last night’s fatal shooting that tragically killed one man and left another injured (see related), the accused shooter, Sonya Lynn Armontrout, 42, was brought before Kosciusko County Circuit Court Judge Michael W. Reed this afternoon. Armontrout appeared for the initial reading of her rights and charges and the first step in appointing her an attorney.
Armontrout was brought before the judge, her hands and ankles shackled, at 3:30 p.m. today. According to Judge Reed, Armontrout is being tried with three Class A felonies: murder, attempted murder and burglary.
Armontrout is being charged with the killing of Steven Carman, 51, of 44 EMS B10 Ln., Pierceton. Carman died in his home Wednesday night from multiple gunshot wounds sustained in what police say began as a report of a domestic dispute. Armontrout is also being charged with the attempted murder of Joseph A. Glant, 54, of Warsaw, who entered the home at the same time as Carman and was shot in the lower torso. Glant’s injuries were not life-threatening.
Reed explained the burglary charge to Armontrout stating that should serious bodily injury be obtained during a breaking and entering, the charge can be raised to a Class A burglary charge.
According to Reed, if convicted Armontrout could face up to 165 years in prison. Reed explained that the murder charge could carry a total of 45 years to 65 years with an advisory term of 55 years. Per Indiana Code, a person who is at least 18 years of age at the time a murder is committed, may be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without parole.
Reed also said the second and third charges could carry between 20 years and 50 years with 30 year advisory periods for each. Reed explained that the range in years served is due to the fact that a total of 10 years can be subtracted for mitigating circumstances and 10 years can be added for aggravating circumstances.
Armontrout told the judge she is unemployed and without the financial means to hire an attorney. She requested that the court appoint a public defender in her case.
When asked if she owned any property, Armontrout responded, “I don’t know what is in my name, I don’t want to give you any false information. When he (Carman) had me arrested, I couldn’t even get my underwear. I couldn’t get the kids clothes. He had every single item. I don’t know what titles are in my name — we were together for 10 years.”
Reed agreed to appoint a public defender to represent Armontrout and noted should property be discovered in her name at a later date, the court would reassess. Reed also noted that the court is searching for someone qualified to represent her.
“We will have to find an attorney qualified to represent someone who has as serious of charges as you do,” stated Reed. “They will come see you at the jail once we can figure this out.”
Though bond has not yet been set, Reed noted Armontrout’s pre-trial is scheduled to occur at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 24. “I have not set bond in this case, therefore you will not have to appear unless bond is actually set,” stated Reed.
Armontrout was remanded to the custody of the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.