DNA found on the knife believed to have been used in a stabbing of a pregnant woman nearly two weeks ago in Seymour has led to an arrest.
Justin D. Colvin, 26, of Seymour was arrested Tuesday at a residence in the 200 block of South Vine Street.
He faces preliminary charges of burglary, robbery, aggravated battery, criminal confinement and battery, Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbott said.
Police believe a man was attempting to burglarize the woman’s home in the early morning hours of Dec. 6 and attacked her. During the fight, the woman was stabbed with a steak knife about six times. He fled with some of her cash.
Colvin knew the woman’s boyfriend, Abbott said.
At the time of the incident, the woman, who is in her early 20s, was about 16 weeks pregnant.
She was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with wounds to her arms, head and right eye. Her unborn baby was not injured, and the woman is recovering, Abbott said.
Before the DNA results became available Tuesday afternoon, Abbott said investigators had exhausted all leads in their attempt to find a suspect in the case.
The DNA on the knife, which was left at the scene, was given to the Indiana State Police lab. Test results were entered into a criminal history database.
That’s how police tied Colvin to the attack, Abbott said.
In July, Colvin pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing in Jackson County Circuit Court. He was sentenced to 90 days in Jackson County Jail in Brownstown, according to court documents. He also has drug convictions, including possession of methamphetamine.
Abbott said police are investigating a possible connection between Colvin and other thefts in Seymour.
In addition to the DNA, Abbott said Colvin had a large scratch on his cheek that may have been a result of the struggle with the victim.
During interviews with police, Colvin discussed details from the stabbing that had not been released to the public, Abbott said. He also admitted to the stabbing after he was confronted by police with the DNA evidence, Abbott said.
Investigators are awaiting the results of fingerprints found on the doorknob of the woman’s residence to see if they match Colvin’s.
Abbott said it will be up to the prosecutor’s office to decide if the charges should be upgraded.
There are no other suspects in the case, but Abbott said he encourages residents to continue to be mindful of their safety.
“Lock your stuff up, be aware of your surroundings, and lock your windows and doors,” he said. “We want to believe everyone here in Seymour and Jackson County is nice; but with drugs and alcohol and just the change in society itself, you have to take extra measures to be safe.”
Colvin is being held at the Jackson County Jail without bond.