Prosecutors seek death penalty for Indiana man accused of fatally gunning down woman, grandchild

A Frankfort man may face the death penalty if he's convicted of gunning down a woman and her granddaughter outside of an Indiana business, officials said.

Clinton County first responders received multiple 911 calls regarding a double-shooting in the parking lot of the new NHK Seating plant in Frankfort, Indiana, around 4:15 p.m. Aug. 18, according to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.

The two dead NHK employees were identified as a grandmother and granddaughter pair — Pamela Sledd, 62, and Promise Mays, 21, both Frankfort.

Police identified the suspect as Gary C. Ferrell II, 26, of Frankfort, who also worked at the facility.

Ferrell reportedly parked next to Sledd's car in the plant parking lot on Wednesday afternoon. Police said he opened his car's trunk, then forced Mays from her grandmother's car, according to the Journal & Courier. Police said Ferrell, gun in hand, dragged Mays to the back of his car and tried to force her into the trunk.

Sledd reportedly got out of her car and spoke with Ferrell, preventing him from forcing Mays into his trunk.

Sheriff's deputies said Ferrell opened fire on Sledd, hitting her three times before killing a cowering Mays with a single shot.

Authorities said Ferrell then fled the scene. Deputies with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Frankfort Police Department tracked Ferrell traveling eastbound on State Road 28.

Officials said a short high-speed pursuit ended when Ferrell’s vehicle crashed inside a road construction area at State Road 28 and Nickel Plate Road. Ferrell was apprehended by officers, without further incident, according to the sheriff's office.

Ferrell was charged with two counts of murder, and one count each of criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license.

Prosecutors in Clinton County told local media they plan to seek the death penalty in the case, according to Fox59.

“I am deeply angered and appalled by the violent crime that took place in our community this afternoon,” Sheriff Rich Kelly said in a statement.

“This behavior will simply not be tolerated. We are working feverishly with the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office to gather evidence and statements so that we may move forward with charges in the next couple of days. I want to express my sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Sledd and Ms. Mays. I pray they are in the hands of God this evening and that their families can find comfort in the days and weeks ahead. To the employees of NHK who witnessed this horrifying scene, our chaplains will be available, as will counseling provided by NHK. Our hearts are with all of you.”