Indianapolis, IN – An Indianapolis woman will spend three years in state prison after being convicted of a violent assault in which prosecutors say she attacked her neighbor with a hammer during a heated argument over $20.
The sentencing brings a dramatic conclusion to a case that alarmed residents on the city’s near north side and highlighted how a minor financial dispute escalated into serious violence.
Court Hands Down Prison Sentence in Marion County
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Thursday that Olivia Colbert was sentenced to four years total, with three years to be served in the Indiana Department of Corrections and one year suspended to probation. In addition, Colbert received two additional years of probation related to two unrelated cases, which will increase the level of court supervision she will face upon release.
Colbert learned her fate after pleading guilty to battery by means of a deadly weapon, classified as a Level 5 felony under Indiana law. The charge stems from an incident earlier this year in which a hammer was allegedly used during a physical confrontation.
Police Respond to Disturbance on West 25th Street
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Marion Superior Court, officers were first alerted to the incident on May 1 when police were dispatched to a reported disturbance involving a weapon in the 300 block of W. 25th Street in Indianapolis.
While officers were en route, dispatch relayed urgent information from the caller’s wife, who stated that her neighbor — later identified as Colbert — had attacked her with a hammer. When officers arrived, they encountered the victim, who had visible injuries to her face, consistent with an assault.
Dispute Allegedly Centered on $20 CashApp Transfer
Court documents indicate the altercation began over a $20 dispute. Colbert reportedly believed that her mother had sent $20 via CashApp to the victim. When Colbert questioned the transfer, the victim acknowledged being aware of the money but stated that she did not have it.
Prosecutors allege that the disagreement quickly turned violent. Colbert is accused of striking the victim multiple times with a hammer that was covered with a sock, intensifying the injuries and elevating the charge to one involving a deadly weapon.
Witnesses Describe Violent Scene
As officers searched the residence for Colbert, another woman told police that Colbert had fled out the back of the home. Investigators also interviewed a witness who said the victim was attacked while she was trying to show her phone to Colbert, possibly to prove the money was not received.
The witness stated that they observed Colbert strike the victim on the head and face with the hammer. A short time later, police located Colbert and took her into custody. Officers also discovered that she had an outstanding warrant from Hamilton County, compounding her legal troubles.
‘Everything Went Black’: Victim Recounts Attack
Later that same day, a detective interviewed the victim at Methodist Hospital. The victim told investigators that Colbert had warned her she would “be back in an hour” if the $20 was not returned. When Colbert returned, the victim attempted to show her phone as proof, but Colbert allegedly knocked the phone away and punched her in the face.
The victim reported being struck twice on the head with the hammer, recalling that “everything went black for a second” following the blows.
Colbert Claims Self-Defense
In a separate interview with police, Colbert offered a different account. She claimed her phone was not working and that the victim agreed to accept the $20 from her mother and share it with her. Colbert alleged that when she approached the victim, she was met with yelling and insults from both the victim and her husband.
Colbert told officers that the victim charged at her and that she was later pinned down and assaulted, prompting her to grab a nearby hammer in what she described as self-defense.
Plea Agreement and No-Contact Orders Issued
Online court records show that Colbert’s plea agreement was officially filed on November 14 in Marion Superior Court 32. On Thursday, the judge also issued four separate no-contact orders, prohibiting Colbert from contacting individuals connected to the case.
Should disputes like this lead to prison time, or could intervention have prevented the violence? Join the conversation in the comments and share your thoughts on sentencing, neighborhood disputes, and how conflicts can spiral out of control.
