Indiana Man Convicted of Manslaughter in Estranged Wife's Death After Winning Primary Election

Andrew Wilhoite, a 41-year-old man from Lebanon, Indiana, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter on April 18, 2024, for the death of his estranged wife, Elizabeth 'Nikki' Wilhoite. The conviction comes two years after Wilhoite won a primary election for a township board position in 2022 while charged with his wife's murder.

Wilhoite was initially accused of murder after Nikki's body was found in a creek near their home on March 26, 2022, a day after she was reported missing by her coworkers. During the investigation, Wilhoite told police that he struck his wife with a flowerpot during an argument and then dumped her body in the creek.

Despite being charged with murder, Wilhoite received 60 out of 276 votes in the primary election for the Clinton Township Board. He later withdrew from the race after the charges against him gained public attention.

The Boone County jury convicted Wilhoite of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, believing the death was the result of "sudden heat." Voluntary manslaughter is a Level 2 felony in Indiana, carrying a prison sentence between 10 and 30 years.

Why this matters: The case highlights the importance of thorough background checks for political candidates and the potential consequences of electing individuals facing serious criminal charges. It also raises questions about the public's awareness of candidates' legal issues during elections.

Court documents revealed that Nikki Wilhoite had filed for divorce on March 17, 2022, just days before her death. An autopsy determined that she died from blunt force trauma to the head. Wilhoite, who had been having an affair, claimed that he and Nikki had gotten into a "pretty good fight" before he struck her with the flowerpot.

Andrew Wilhoite is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2024. As a convicted felon, he will be ineligible to hold public office in the future. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the need for increased awareness and support for victims.

Key Takeaways

• Andrew Wilhoite convicted of voluntary manslaughter for wife's death
• Wilhoite won primary election in 2022 while charged with murder
• Jury believed death was result of "sudden heat" during argument
• Wilhoite to be sentenced in June 2024, ineligible for public office
• Case highlights importance of background checks for political candidates