Suspects allegedly gang up on, stab and batter man

Vigo Co. Jail

​By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Three Terre Haute men remain behind bars after allegedly ganging up on and injuring another man recently in his home. They each appeared in court this week.

Evan D. Wilford, 33; Michael L. Smith, 37; and Darlyn Walker, 52, were booked into the Vigo County Jail Sept. 17 around 7:30 p.m. They  are charged with aggravated battery and battery with a deadly weapon.

According to the probable cause affidavit, prepared by Det. Eric Atterson, of the Terre Haute Police Department, investigation revealed that one of the suspect's anger may have been triggered by an earlier incident.

"'[The victim] smacked me and I had to handle business, so I f---ed him up,'"Atterson says Walker later told police.

According to the documents, the victim was in his bedroom, with the door locked. He alleges the door suddenly was kicked in and  the three men allegedly came at him, violently attacking him out of nowhere.

The victim, 60, was eventually able to escape out the back door of the N. Eighth Street residence and flee to a nearby  hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Atterson met with the victim in the emergency room.

​The victim's injuries include:

• A stab wound on the left forearm
• Multiple stab wounds to his back and chest
• Doctors advised he had a broken/fractured back
• Fractured ribs
• Multiple scrapes, scratches and bruises
• Areas of swelling on his body

The victim alleges Walker, the suspect in the wheelchair, stabbed him several times with a kitchen knife that had a white handle. Wilford, the suspect described as having dreadlocks,allegedly beat him with a crowbar. The third suspect, known to go by "Mike Mike," allegedly struck him with a broom handle during the attack.

Responding officers were able to quickly locate all of the suspects and take them into custody without incident.

Walker and Wilford were found at the scene of the battery.  Smith, also wanted on an outstanding warrant, was located on a nearby porch.  Walker reportedly consented to a search of the residence and evidence was recovered, confirming information provided during investigation. Also, a witness reportedly informed police she had observed the men forcing their way into the victim's room at the time.

• Walker appeared in Vigo Superior Court Div. 3 Monday. His next court date is Oct. 3. Bond is set at $35,000, no 10 percent allowed.
• Wilford appeared in Vigo Superior Court Div. 1 Monday. His next court date is Oct. 7 for bond reduction hearing. Bond is set at $50,000, no 10 percent allowed.

• Smith appeared in Vigo Superior Court Div. 3 Monday. His next court date is Oct. 3. Bond is set at $35,000 , no 10 percent allowed.