A central Indiana man has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his estranged wife. The Boone County jury convicted the 41-year-old man from Lebanon after he was initially charged with murder.
The victim, a 41-year-old woman named Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite, was reported missing on March 25, 2022, by her coworkers when she failed to show up for work. Her body was discovered in a creek near her residence the following day. It was revealed that she had filed for divorce on March 17 and had recently completed chemotherapy treatments for cancer.
The defendant admitted to law enforcement that he had struck his wife with a flowerpot during an argument and then disposed of her body in the creek. The man now faces a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years, with the sentencing scheduled for June 4.
One of the defense attorneys declined to comment on the verdict following the jury's decision. The man, who had won a primary election for a township board position, later withdrew from the race. He had received 60 votes out of 276 total Republican votes for three positions on the Clinton Township Board in Boone County.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite and the subsequent legal proceedings. The community awaits the sentencing of the defendant as justice is sought for the victim and her loved ones.
