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Indianapolis man injured as infant 34 years ago dies, coroner rules death a homicide

On Feb. 12, 2022, the now-34-year-old victim in the case, Patrick Mitchell, died from injuries as a result of the 1988 incident, IMPD said.

INDIANAPOLIS — A 34-year-old man injured as an infant in 1988 died on Saturday due to those injures, with the Marion County Coroner’s Office ruling his death a homicide.

On Jan. 6, 1988, Indianapolis Police Department officers responded to the 500 block of Vine Street, off West Washington Street on the city’s west side, for injuries sustained to a 2-month-old child.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of then-22-year-old John Coleman, who was charged and convicted of felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury. Coleman served time in the Indiana Department of Corrections.

On Feb. 12, 2022, the now-34-year-old victim in the case, Patrick Mitchell, died from injuries as a result of the 1988 incident, IMPD said. The Marion County Coroner’s Office ruled Mitchell's death a homicide.

IMPD originally said the Marion County Prosecutor's Office would not be charging Coleman with murder for Mitchell’s death due to the prohibition of double jeopardy. On Monday afternoon, IMPD released the following correction:

There was miscommunication about the potential for additional charges. The MCPO has not made a determination if double-jeopardy will be a factor. IMPD will make additional investigative steps and will then present the case to the MCPO’s for a determination if charges are possible.

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