Quincy, IN – A 15-year-old boy from Owen County, Indiana has been formally charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing two family members outside his home in Quincy this past summer. Authorities report that the teen, Jeremiah Nicholas Dill, faces two counts of felony murder after the tragic incident.
Fatal Family Shooting
Police were dispatched just before 3:45 p.m. on August 9 to a residence on the 1500 block of Truesdel Road following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered 61-year-old Jefferey Fauber and 41-year-old Grantham Adam Chandler lying in the driveway with gunshot wounds. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
A witness informed police that the shooting was allegedly carried out by a 15-year-old boy recently released from a mental health facility. The witness also noted that a 2011 gold Ford Escape and several firearms were missing from the property.
Teen Turns Himself In
Shortly after the shooting, officers were contacted by staff at the Morgan County Jail after Dill arrived to turn himself in. Court documents report that he made several statements to jail personnel, including:
- “I killed my family“
- “I killed my father“
- “I’m fighting demons“
During further questioning, Dill allegedly admitted to using a .22 caliber handgun and an AR-15 to commit the shootings. Investigators recovered both firearms from the missing vehicle, which Dill had been pointing to during the admissions.
Background and Prior Warnings
Authorities say Dill had been under psychiatric care and was released from a mental health clinic just two days prior to the shootings on August 7. Family members reportedly attempted to secure all firearms in the home, but Dill allegedly gained access to them, as per Fox59.
Court documents also note that prior to the shooting, Dill had made threats to harm family members. A police report filed in Bloomington indicated he had informed an officer of his intentions and knowledge of the location of the household firearms.
Witnesses described Dill as “uncharacteristically helpful” the morning of the incident, though others noted recent troubling behavior, including explicit threats to kill his family.
Legal Proceedings
Dill was taken into custody, booked on preliminary murder charges, and is being charged as an adult in Owen Circuit Court. An initial hearing was held on November 3 before Judge Donald VanDerMoere, and a jury trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 14, 2026.
Authorities stress the case underscores the ongoing need for monitoring youth with access to firearms and mental health concerns, as well as prompt intervention when threats are reported.
What are your thoughts on preventing similar tragedies involving minors and firearms? Share your opinions in the comments below and engage with the discussion on community safety in Indiana.
