3 arrested after Indiana man found dead in a ditch near the highway

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. (TCD) -- Two women and one man were taken into custody after a 30-year-old man was found dead in a ditch near a highway.

According to WANE-TV, on Monday, March 14, at approximately 12:45 p.m., an Indiana State Trooper discovered the body near State Road 14. The victim was reportedly identified as Curtis Thomas, and Indiana State Police deemed his death "suspicious."

WANE reports the Whitley County Coroner said Thomas died from a gunshot wound to the chest and determined his manner of death was homicide. According to WOWO Radio, three suspects were arrested on murder and other charges. Whitley County Jail inmate records show Robert Drake was booked on charges of murder and theft, Ashlynn McClain on a charge of aiding murder, and Mia Griffin on a charge of murder.

Court documents cited by WANE say Thomas believed he was going to meet up with McClain to use meth and be "physically intimate" with her. Indiana State Police allege Drake, Griffin, and McClain went to the Regency Inn at around 11 a.m. to pick up Thomas. Griffin allegedly drove while McClain sat in the front seat and Drake in the back next to Thomas.

McClain reportedly told investigators that Thomas was acting "strangely," and he and Drake started arguing. Drake allegedly shot Thomas and left his body out on County Road 700 East near State Road 14. An Indiana State Trooper found Thomas' body not long afterward.

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