Man accused of beating Harrison County, Ind. homeowner appears incoherent in court

A man accused of breaking into a Harrison County home and attacking the homeowner appeared in court Monday, but he wasn't making any sense.

According to court documents, Joseph Kingrey told police he and two friends broke into the home to steal money on Oct. 14. However, Kingrey allegedly attacked Richard Shewmaker, hitting him in the head with a large wooden handle.

"According to the probable cause affidavit, once inside, the defendant observed the victim, Richard Shewmaker, sitting behind his desk counting money, at which point he ran towards him, striking him with a large wooden handle," Schalk said.

The suspects made off with more than $1,700 dollars and a checkbook.

Shewmaker suffered life-threatening head injuries in the attack and was placed in a temporary coma at the hospital.

Kingrey was arrested Saturday and has been charged with burglary, robbery, aggravated battery and theft.

When Kingrey appeared in court Monday, he had to be helped in and out of the courtroom and muttered incoherently.

When the judge asked Kingrey if he understood one of his charges, he looked around the courtroom and replied "I guess." During the hearing, Kingrey complained of dry mouth and said he was shot at four times while also saying something about a car pileup.

After the hearing, Harrison County Prosecutor Otto Schalk said he believed Kingrey was coming off some type of drugs and that's why he was acting strangely in court. His family said he was in detox before his court appearance.

"His demeanor in court indicated that he appeared to maybe be coming down from something, but again that's speculation," Schalk said.

Shewmaker's attorney, Larry Wilder, says he's out of the coma and his condition is improving, though he remains hospitalized.

"He's talking," attorney Larry Wilder said. "Under the circumstances at this point in time, because he had a closed head injury, there's not a whole lot of effort being made to try to get information from him over and above just allowing him to heal."

Prosecuting Attorney, Otto Schalk says they know at least two other people were involved in this break-in. Officials ask anyone with information to contact the Harrison County Sheriff's Department.

Kingrey's bond was set at $100,000.

Kingrey's family tells WDRB that he has previously struggled with drugs. They say in the past they've tried reaching out to authorities to get help for the teenager, but haven't received any assistance or help.