Stepdad charged with murder of 15-year-old daughter (Rockport, Indiana)

Stepdad RYAN SHELBY has been charged in the murder of his 15-year-old daughter.

http://www.wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=11450374

Murder suspect appears in court
Posted: Nov 05, 2009 11:20 AM CST
Updated: Nov 05, 2009 3:34 PM CST
By Gretchen Ross
Posted by Rachel Folz - email

ROCKPORT, IN (WFIE) - Ryan Shelby, 32, the step-father of 15-year-old Alexis Osterle, was taken to the Spencer County jail Wednesday, charged with her murder.

Shelby made his first court appearance Thursday morning.

Not only did Shelby appear in court to hear his murder charge read but he also appeared in a children in need of services hearing regarding a separate family matter.

The nature of that matter is not known as this time.

Alexis Osterle's friends showed up at the Spencer County Courthouse to pay respect for their friend

Some wore T-shirts with her picture on it.

After reviewing a police report and a case file, Judge John Dart said there is enough probable cause for Shelby's murder charge.

If Shelby is convicted, he could face the death penalty or spend up to 65 years in prison with a $10,000 fine.

The court appointed Steve Ripstra out of Jasper as Shelby's attorney.

Spencer County Prosecutor Dan Wilkenson said that Shelby's arrest is looking like the only one they will make in the case right now.

He also said that he doesn't foresee any extra charges being filed against Shelby.

Shelby is being held without bond in the Spencer County Courthouse.

His next court appearance is November 19.

Then is when his murder charge will be formally filed.