Kyle David DeHart appeared in Kosciusko Circuit Court wearing the black and white jail jumpsuit with a grey sweatshirt underneath. Like Brandon Woody, DeHart was in a belly band connecting to handcuffs and ankle cuffs.

Kyle DeHart

DeHart has been charged with two counts of felony murder, one charge each for the victims Tara Thornburg and Joshua R. Knisley, and a third count, obstruction of justice, a level 6 felony. The murders took place during the early morning hours of Feb. 19, at 305 W. Main St., Syracuse.

The murder charges state he knowingly or intentionally committed or attempted to commit robbery and while committing the crime, Knisley and Thornburg were killed. The obstruction of justice charge relates to the fact DeHart altered, damaged, or removed any record document or thing to prevent it from being produced or used as evidence in official proceedings. This relates to the burning of the coat, gloves and shoes used in the crime of robbery and/or murder.

The felony murder charge carries a penalty of 45 years to 65 years on each count, with 55 years being the presumptive penalty. The obstruction of justice charge carries a one-half year to 2 1/2 year penalty, which is suspendable.

He remained seated in the jury box in the court room during the proceedings, appearing to be listening intently to Judge Michael Reed as he read DeHart his constitutional rights, issued dates for further proceedings, and explaining penalties associated with the charges.

Also in the courtroom was Joshua Knisley’s mother, Rhonda Bickel and an aunt. Both women sat quietly in the front row, behind the prosecutor. Mrs. Bickel, less emotional than at Woody’s hearing, appeared to muffle cries, as she sat there looking at DeHart. Grasping hands, the two women spent most of the hearing looking at DeHart, surely wondering why he participated in the murder of their son and nephew.

Joan Marie DeHart

DeHart quietly answered “ya” and “yes” to the questions posed to him by Reed and Dan Hampton, prosecuting attorney. Questions were simple – relating to his address, age, charging information and if he understood what was being explained.

DeHart stated he would attempt to hire his own attorney and was informed if this was not possible to let the court know immediately.

Further court dates were set with the omnibus and pre-trial dates set for May 11, 2015, and the status conference date set for April 13.

Joan DeHart, Kyle DeHart’s mother, was also scheduled to appear in court, however, the prosecution was notified Wednesday that she had hired an attorney, Scott Smith. Smith filed a motion on Mrs. DeHart’s behalf to waive her initial hearing. Further court dates are the same as her son’s.

This map shows the various locations Brandon Woody and Kyle DeHart traveled after the murder. (The image is property of Google Maps)

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