Orlando Mitchell, 34, is facing murder charges and a potential death sentence for the alleged strangulation of Marion County Sheriff's Deputy John Durm, 61, during an escape attempt. The incident occurred on Monday while Deputy Durm was transporting Mitchell back to the Criminal Justice Center in Indianapolis after a hospital visit. Prosecutors allege Mitchell used his handcuff chain to overpower and kill the deputy. Following the attack, Mitchell reportedly used the deputy's key to free himself, briefly drove the transport van before crashing, and was subsequently apprehended.

At the time of the incident, Mitchell was awaiting trial for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Krystal Walton, a case dating back to September 2022. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears expressed a commitment to seeking justice for Deputy Durm and his family, citing the deputy's decades of dedicated service to the community. The Marion County public defender's office, representing Mitchell, has not yet issued a statement regarding the new charges.