TABITHA SHUCK RAINES

UNSOLVED MURDER

FEATURED CASE

In 2002, 16-year-old Tabitha “Tabi” Shuck Raines was murdered, and no one has been held responsible.

Overview

Cold Case or Closed Case?

Tabitha Shuck Raines was murdered on October 2, 2002, in Tipton Indiana at just 16 years old. She was found in Cicero Creek, beaten and with a gunshot wound to her forehead.

Several people were charged in connection with her death.

One was found not guilty, and charges against two others were later dropped or severely reduced. In the end, no one has been held responsible for her murder.

At first glance, this may appear to be a closed case with an unfortunate “not-guilty” verdict, but.. it isn't that simple.

Questions remain.

For instance.. Investigators collected biological evidence, including items that contained DNA.

Approximately 5 unknown DNA samples did not match any of the suspects who were charged.

Other evidence such as strands of hair, were preserved for future testing as technology advanced. These items remain in evidence at the Indiana State Police Laboratory.

Between the conflicting accounts, the lack of a confirmed offender, and DNA that does not match any of the original suspects, there are still significant unanswered questions about what happened-and who was truly responsible.

What happened to Tabi?

Her family deserves to know.

24th Annual Candlelight Vigil for Tabi

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Please join us in Tipton, Indiana, as we gather to remember Tabitha Shuck Raines, honor her life, and continue calling for justice 24 years after her death.

Event Schedule

We will begin on the lawn of the Tipton County Courthouse, where Tabitha’s family will speak about their experiences with the Tipton County judicial system and the experiences of other local families they personally know.

We will then gather at Tipton City Park for free pizza and breadsticks. At dusk, attendees will participate in a candlelight walk to Tabitha’s gravesite at Fairview Cemetery.

Candles will be lit at dusk. Everyone is welcome to join us in remembering Tabitha and standing with her family in their continued pursuit of answers and justice.

Locations

Tipton County Courthouse: 101 E. Jefferson Street | Tipton, IN 46072

Tipton City Park: 500 Green Street | Tipton, IN 46072

Fairview Cemetery: 418 Fairview Avenue | Tipton, IN 46072

UPDATES & ADVOCACY

"Justice for Tabitha Shuck Raines" Facebook Group

Contact Investigating Agencies

Indiana State Police: District Investigative Commander, Peru Post:

Sgt. Rozzi | Email Address: jrozzi@isp.in.gov

Sample:

Dear _________,

I am reaching out regarding the homicide of Tabitha “Tabi” Shuck Raines.

Tabitha Shuck Raines was murdered on October 2, 2002, in Tipton Indiana at just 16 years old. She was found in Cicero Creek, beaten and with a GSW to her forehead.
Several people were charged in connection with her death.
One was found not guilty, and charges against two others were later dropped or severely reduced. In the end, no one has been held responsible for her murder.
At first glance, this may appear to be a closed case with an unfortunate “not-guilty” verdict, but.. it isn't that simple.

For instance.. Investigators collected evidence, including items that contained DNA. Approximately 5 unknown DNA samples did not match any of the suspects who were charged.
According to the documents, it seems as if items had been direct-reference tested between the persons charged and Tabitha's husband.

Evidence such as strands of hair, tennis shoes, a jack cover, sealed envelopes containing the outside surface and inside surface of a condom and left hand fingernail scrapings were preserved for future testing as technology advanced.

To my understanding, these items remain in evidence at the Indiana State Police Laboratory.

Given the advances in forensic science over the past two decades, would ____(Sheriffs, Prosecutor, Indiana State Police)____ be willing to review the case and advise whether any preserved biological evidence may be suitable for modern DNA testing or forensic genetic genealogy?

Silver Lining of Hope Inc, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit is willing to assist with the costs of this testing. Even if further testing does not ultimately result in criminal charges, Tabi’s family still deserves answers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Any guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,