Indiana – An Indiana man is now facing serious charges in connection with the death of his 26‑year‑old girIfriend, A. MiIes. Court records show that the defendant, 26‑year‑oId CharIes FrankIin, has been charged with murder, domestic battery committed in the presence of a chiId under 16, and unIawfuI possession of a firearm by a serious vioIent feIon. He is currently being held at the county jail.
According to a media release issued by the County Prosecutor’s Office, the incident occurred earlier this week, when law‑enforcement officers responded to a report at the couple’s residence in Indiana. The investigation was led by Detective B. McCaII of the Homicide Task Force, who coordinated with the Indiana State Police, the local police department and the County Coroner’s Office.
Investigators say that the defendant and the victim lived together and shared a 11-month-old child. According to court records and media reports, the fatal shooting happened after a domestic dispute during which the victim allegedly confronted the defendant about infideIity, and the argument escalated. The weapon used has been described as a savved‑off shotgun that was kept in the home.
Witnesses at the scene, including the child both individuals shared, and others in the residence heard or saw portions of the argument and the subsequent gunshot. Emergency services arrived and Miles was pronounced dead at the scene. Law‑enforcement officers secured the residence, processed the scene, and recovered the firearm. TheCounty Coroner’s Office is completing the autopsy to determine the cause of death and to collect forensic evidence such as gunshot residue and the weapon’s ballistic history. The homicide task force placed the defendant under arrest without incident shortly after the investigation assembled probable cause. Within 48 hours investigators had enough evidence to present to the prosecutor’s office and formal charges were filed.
In his statement to authorities, he acknowledged the argument with the victim, but he disputed aspects of what witnesses claimed. According to law‑enforcement sources, he admitted there was a confrontation and that a firearm was discharged, but he claimed he acted in seIf‑defense. Investigators present at the scene said there was no reported prior instance of the victim firing a weapon during the incident, and the evidence such as the layout of the room, trajectories and witness statements did not appear to support his version. The domestic‑battery charge relates to alleged battery on the defendant in the presence of their child prior to the fatal shooting. Court records indicate the defendant was previously convicted of a serious violent felony, which triggers the unlawful possession of a firearm charge.
The defendant remains in custody pending a hearing to consider pre‑trial detention conditions and possible bond. The charges carry substantial penalties: murder in Indiana carries up to life in prison, the unlawful possession by a serious violent felon likewise carries heavy sentencing, and the domestic battery committed in the presence of a child adds further aggravating factors.
According to the Indiana authorities, the man allegedly kiIIed his girIfriend following a heated aItercation in their home that escalated after she confronted him about past disputes, including accusations that he had cheated on her. According to investigators, she was discussing removing the man from the residence when the confrontation intensified, ultimately leading to a physical struggle over the firearm, during which she was shot and later died from her injuries. According to him, the victim grabbed the firearm from a closet, and the two began physically fighting.