Dillsboro Murder: Victim was dating the ex-girlfriend of the suspect, prosecutor says

(DILLSBORO, Ind.) – Officials have identified the victim who was killed in Dillsboro last week. 

39-year-old Dennis Adams, of Erlanger, Kentucky, was found deceased from gunshot wounds in a wooded area along Texas Gas Road on Thursday.

33-year-old Brent Wellman, of Seymour, was arrested and formally charged with Murder on Monday morning. 

Prosecutors say Adams recently began dating Wellman’s ex-girlfriend. 

Wellman allegedly called his ex-girlfriend a few days prior and asked to drop off some property. 

“Wellman had advised her that he was kicked out of his friend's house, homeless and had no place to put his stuff. On August 13th, Wellman called her and asked if he could wish their child a happy birthday. Rachel advised that she told Wellman he could not stop by as it would be late since he works second shift at his job,” Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said. 

On Wednesday evening, prosecutors say the ex-girlfriend and Adams heard a noise similar to someone breaking into their home. 

“Both she and Dennis went outside to look, did not see anyone and believed it was the air conditioner. Dennis left for work on Thursday, August 14th around 4:45 a.m.," Deddens said. 

It was just an hour later when a 911 call was made from someone who said they heard gunshots along U.S. 50. 

The caller claimed that a blue SUV was stopped in the high speed lane on U.S. 50 and alleged that a man in the driver's seat had blood on his pants while another male was in the backseat crawling to the front seat. 

A Dearborn County deputy located the vehicle a short time later and had a brief interaction with the driver. 

“When the driver was asked what was going on, the driver shrugged his shoulder and avoided eye contact. The [deputy] called for assistance and the driver sped away on Hueseman Road,” Deddens said. 

Deputies say the vehicle crashed and Wellman fled from the scene. 

A manhunt ensued and during the search, the body of Adams was located. It was also determined that the vehicle belonged to the victim as well. 

The five-hour search concluded after Wellman was located in Laughery Creek near the wrecked vehicle. 

Wellman is scheduled to make his initial appearance in a Dearborn County Courtroom on Monday.