Opinions April 11, 2025

Indiana Court of Appeals
Brandon Francis Schaefer v. State of Indiana
24A-CR-1387
Criminal. Affirms Brandon Schaefer’s conviction for murder In Vanderburgh Circuit Court following a jury trial, where the jury found Schaefer guilty but mentally ill. Finds the trial court did not abuse its discretion when it instructed the jury on the possible penal consequences of a not responsible by reason of insanity verdict and a guilty but mentally ill verdict. Attorney for appellant: Yvette LaPlante. Attorneys for appellee: Attorney General Todd Rokita, Supervising Deputy Attorney General Ian McClean.

Arthur Scott v. State of Indiana
24A-CR-1771
Criminal. Affirms the revocation of Arthur Scott’s probation by Madison Circuit Court Judge David Happe. Finds the court gave Scott notice of the revocation, ensured accurate factfinding, and provided an adequate basis for appellate review. Also finds no denial of due process in the trial court’s written statement of revocation. Attorney for appellant: David Stone IV. Attorneys for appellee: Attorney General Todd Rokita, Deputy Attorney General Alexandria Sons.

Rachel Gard-Holm v. Lars Lund Holm
24A-MI-2810
Miscellaneous. Affirms the Allen Superior Court’s decision that, under Indiana’s Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, Germany is N.G-H’s home state and Indiana does not have jurisdiction to make a custody determination. Finds the German court issued a temporary custody order in January 2024 following a hearing on Mother’s November 2023 application for custody, the father, Lars Holm, continues to reside in Germany, and Germany has not declined to exercise jurisdiction. Also finds the Indiana trial court’s decision that it lacked jurisdiction was not clearly erroneous. Judge Elizabeth Tavitas concurs with separate opinion. Attorneys for appellant: Bryan Ciyou, Anne Lowe. Attorneys for appellee: Suzanne Wagner, Katherine Geist.