Franklin Co. man gets max sentence after baseball bat attack

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – A Franklin County man is going to prison after being convicted of attacking a victim with a baseball bat. 

43-year-old David Neanover, of Mt. Carmel, was arrested in January after an incident at a home on State Road 252. 

Investigators say Neanover showed up at the victim’s house and there was an argument over money.

Prosecutors say Neanover grabbed an aluminum bat and struck the victim twice in the head. The victim was rushed to a hospital for injuries. 

During the trial, Neanover claimed that he acted in self-defense, however, Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Blaine Timonera presented contradicting testimony from the victim, police officers, and a 6-year-old witness.  

The jury disagreed with the self-defense claim and found Neanover guilty of Battery with a Deadly Weapon (Level 5 Felony).

During sentencing, Timonera requested the maximum sentence of 6 years in prison. 

Franklin County Judge Alex Dudley agreed with the max sentence due to the physical harm suffered by the victim, that the incident happened in front of children, a lack of remorse and Neanover’s previous criminal history. 

Prosecutor Huerkamp is praising Deputy Prosecutor Timonera for his ability to navigate a case that presented several evidentiary challenges and constitutional considerations. 

“As I’ve come to expect, not only did Blaine rise to the occasion, he and our team once again showed that it takes real experience, quick-thinking, and persistence to bring a case like this to justice,” Huerkamp said. 

The Prosecutor further commended Franklin County Deputy Alex Van Winkle for the quality of his investigation and assistance during trial. Finally, Huerkamp wished to thank the jury for their attention, time, and service.

Neanover’s attorneys filed a notice of appeal the next day and have requested the appointment of pauper counsel moving forward.