Wadesville Suspect In Court

A Wadesville woman accused of killing another woman on Thanksgiving day, made her first court appearance. Melinda Lindauer was arraigned on charges that included involuntary manslaughter. Melinda Lindauer made her way into Posey Circuit Court in shackles, without a word. It was her first appearance before a judge since allegedly shooting at a dog from her back window, but fatally hitting 29 year old Nicole Stroud in the chest. Lindauer faces felony counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and criminal reckless, but not murder. Posey County Prosecutor Jodi Uebelhack says she doesnt believe that Lindauer knew that Stroud was behind the fence trying to retrieve the dog when the bullet hit and killed her. She says shes not even aware of any argument about the dog being on the defendants property on Aubrey Lane before the incident happened. But Prosecutor Uebelhack says thats still is no excuse. The initial hearing for Lindauer only lasted about 10 minutes. She sat quietly for most of it but began weeping as formal charges were read. The court entered a preliminary plea for her of not guilty while Lindauers defense attorney Nicholas Hermann waits for ballistic results. Hermann would not say much more. But he did say they will enter a formal plea during the next hearing scheduled for January 8th. If convicted Lindauer could face up to eight years in jail. Currently she is still in Posey County Jail. A wake for Nicole Stroud was held today at Werry Funeral Home in Poseyville. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at 10am at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church also in Poseyville.