(WHAS11) - About a dozen family members and friends held back tears outside of a Spencer County, Indiana courtroom as they nervously waited to see an accused killer, 32-year-old Ryan Shelby.
Many of them wore t-shirts with his step-daughter’s face on them, 15-year-old Alexis Oesterle – the victim in this case.
The courtroom was packed while Shelby sat for his arraignment. He remained emotionless, shackled by handcuffs.
Indiana State Police arrested Shelby Wednesday night for slashing Alexis’ throat. Her body was found behind a shed in her family’s backyard in Rockport, Indiana on Monday.
Thursday morning, a judge handed down a preliminary murder charge which can be punished with a 65 year sentence and $10,000 fine.
While escorted out of court and back to jail, WHAS11 News asked Shelby, “Did you kill your stepdaughter?”
Shelby had no response while being escorted into the back of a sheriff’s vehicle.
Meanwhile, family and friends cried outside of the courthouse.
When asked about a possible violent history Oesterle’s friend, Janine Nieves says, “I remember telling me that her stepdad was always so mean.”
Shelby is expected back in court November 19th at 2:00 p.m. to face formal charges that will be filed at that time.
