JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind.–A man convicted of killing his girlfriend and eating parts of her body plans to appeal his sentence.
Joseph Oberhansley was sentenced to life without parole for the death of 46-year-old Tammy Jo Blanton in Jeffersonville. Blanton was his former girlfriend. Blanton was found dead and mutilated in her home by police on September 11, 2014. It is not yet clear whether the appeal will apply to all or part of the case.
Victoria Casanova is on the legal team representing Oberhansley in the appeal. She told the News and Tribune that the team will review all documents before determining which parts of the case to appeal.
They asked for documents, exhibits, transcripts, and accompanying evidence from 42 hearing dates going back as far as 2014.
Oberhansley’s attorneys filed an eight-page notice of appeal with the court on October 27. Under Indiana law, the court has 45 days from the date of the appeal notice to provide the requested transcripts and documents. It is possible, however, that the Indiana Supreme Court could grant an extension if they feel one is needed.
The Clark County Prosecutor’s Office initially tried to get the death penalty, but that was later amended to life without parole in 2019 after Oberhansley successfully petitioned the court to withdraw his insanity defense.
