Man Gets 66 Years for Murder, Also Charged in Deputy’s Death

Mitchell’s defense team did not call any witnesses or present evidence during the trial.

Orlando Mitchell mugshot — Source: WISH-TV / WISH-TV

INDIANAPOLIS –A judge sentenced Orlando Mitchell to 66 years in prison Tuesday morning for the fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend outside a west Indianapolis daycare.

Mitchell, 39, received the conviction in February for murder, invasion of privacy, and violating a protective order in the September 16, 2022, death of 31-year-old Krystal Walton.

Walton, who was dropping off her then-1-year-old son at Charity Child Care on 10th Street and Holmes Avenue, was shot by Mitchell, her ex-partner and the child’s father.

Mitchell had a protective order against him following previous incidents of abuse.

During the trial, prosecutors showed video footage of Mitchell ambushing Walton outside her car and shooting her without warning. Walton’s family saw the video for the first time in court.

“When we saw the vicious attack on her and how he just gunned her down, we flipped. I’m just keeping it real. That was a lot,” said one of Walton’s family members.

That same man said Walton’s memory will stay alive in the hearts of many.

“This is all love for Krystal. She’s reached out and touched the community over the last couple of years,” said the man.

After the conviction, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears thanked the jury.

Mitchell’s defense team did not call any witnesses or present evidence during the trial.

Prosecutors have also charged Mitchell with murdering Deputy John Durm. On July 10, 2023, while Durm transported Mitchell from the hospital after treatment for his gunshot wounds, police say Mitchell strangled and killed Durm, stole a police vehicle, and was captured near the Marion County Criminal Justice Campus.

The trial for Mitchell in the Durm killing is supposed to start in August. Prosecutors have already said they are seeking the death penalty in that case.

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