Officials say TH murder suspect died from police gunfire at scene

Vigo County Chief Deputy Prosecutor at scene (red) with police/ ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

A murder suspect killed by police after sneaking to another home during a lengthy standoff this week has been identified by officials.​

Reynolds (L) and Kerns (R)/ Facebook image

Vigo County Coroner Susan Amos said Michael "Mikey" R. Reynolds,  36, of Terre Haute, died from multiple gunshot wounds Tuesday after she completed an autopsy today.

Reynolds was shot dead by Indiana State Police SWAT who relieved Terre Haute Police in the standoff that began March 5 at a First Avenue residence. It ended the afternoon the next day  at a house at 2123 Fourth Avenue.

Although the suspect was surrounded heavily by officers around the clock, he managed to escape during the overnight hours to the nearby home without being noticed.

The ordeal began when Reynolds allegedly had fled the scene in a gold car after shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Kerns, 40, at a Putnam Street residence. He also allegedly shot a male victim at the scene, which sent him to the hospital with serious injuries from the gunshot wounds.

Police quickly located Reynolds and set up a perimeter around the northside residence. The suspect allegedly shot at officers as they arrived and continued doing so through the night -- firing an estimated 200 rounds during the standoff.

​The Indiana State Police Putnamville District investigation is ongoing regarding two separate shootings involving Reynolds.

According to ISP Sgt. Joe Watts,  the shooting suspect’s death is a result of presenting a threat and succumbing to lethal force by ISP South SWAT . He notes that the suspect also had a prior gunshot wound from  the night before, by a Terre Haute Police Department officer returning fire through a wall.

"The Terre Haute Police continue to work alongside ISP at various junctures and related events," he said. 

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