David Hiner: Suspect arrested in connection with killing of two Indianapolis women found dead days apart with similar injuries
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: Authorities declared on Friday that a man from Indianapolis had been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of two women whose bodies were discovered less than 150 yards apart.
30-year-old David Hiner is accused of killing 52-year-old Marianne Weis and Shannon Lassere, 58, whose bodies were discovered in a nearby alley on February 1, and in a parking lot on January 27, respectively.
Marianne Weis & Shannon Lassere found dead with neck and hand injuries
In the past, authorities had drawn attention to the similarities between the killings and requested the public's assistance in obtaining information about the victims and the crimes.
On February 4, Lassere's friends and family gathered in the parking lot where she was discovered to celebrate her life.
Along with Angela Johnson, her friend Stephannie Feggans told WTHR-TV in Indianapolis, "She was a kind, loving spirit."
The three friends were shown in a picture on matching T-shirts with the words 'Golden Girls Forever' underneath. Weis was described as a 'beautiful soul' by her older sister to WTHR.
“Our Mari was a beautiful soul who loved to dance and sing,” the sister said. “She lived with a lot of pain, for reasons we’ll keep private. We don’t know much about what happened yet, but seeing her light dimmed this way is devastating.”
Two women were found face down with their pants pulled to their knees, possibly due to being dragged by their arms. Lassere's purse was found next to her body, and Weis's personal effects were found close to her.
Lassere's son last saw her the night before her body was found.
The pathologist performed autopsy on both victims, who suffered neck and hand injuries. Surveillance footage showed Weis with a Black man, identified as Hiner, who lived near the bodies.
David Hiner denied involvement in murder
The affidavit stated that Hiner denied knowing or being with either victim. Investigators claimed that while searching his home, they discovered a pair of jeans in the bathtub that appeared to match the ones seen in the video soaking in a bucket of bleach.
Based on initial testing, authorities believe that dried blood on a pair of Nike shoes in Hiner's room connected Hiner to Weis and Lassere.
Hiner was originally detained by investigators for breaking his probation in a different county, according to officials on Friday. It's unclear if he has a representative speaking for him.
"This was brutal and evil, what happened to them," Indianapolis Interim Police Chief Christopher Bailey said at a press briefing on Friday, February 9, as reported by ABC News.
"An arrest in this case will not bring these two women back, but I pray this step brings the family and the loved ones the comfort they need as they continue to grieve. I also pray that this arrest brings our neighbors on the east side, a sense of peace and safety," he added.
Hiner is being held and will probably appear in court for the first time next week. It's unclear if he has legal representation. Hiner will have a chance to formally enter a plea at an initial hearing on February 13.
