JADED EVIDENCE · INTERACTIVE INVESTIGATION CASE FILE
Chynna and Blake Dickus: Michael Jerome James Cold-Case Prosecution
Updated October 23, 2026 · Browse investigations · Trials & Court Proceedings
Case overview and current legal status
Michael Jerome James was indicted on two murder counts in October 2026 over the deaths of Chynna and Blake Dickus in Franklin, Indiana. The indictment is an accusation. James is presumed innocent. [2]
Court and jurisdiction
The prosecution is in Johnson County, Indiana. Prosecutor Lance Hamner described a grand jury that heard evidence for three weeks before returning the indictment. [2]
Prosecutors and defense attorneys
Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner publicly announced the prosecution. The reviewed reports do not identify James’s defense counsel. [2]
Victim background
Chynna Dickus was 26. Blake, her stepson, was ten. They were found dead inside their Franklin home on July 24, 2006. [1]
People and documented roles
Michael Jerome James: defendant, reported to have been fourteen at the time of the killings. Franklin Police Department: investigating agency. Kirby Cochran: police chief who announced the arrest. [2]
Interactive timeline
July 24, 2006 — Chynna and Blake are found dead
Both victims were found stabbed to death. The investigation remained unresolved for two decades. [1]
October 2, 2026 — Indictment and arrest announced
Authorities announced the two-count murder indictment and James’s arrest. [2]
October 6, 2026 — Reporting on the unsealed indictment
KLTV / Gray reported that newly unsealed indictments suggested the killings occurred during an attempted burglary. [1]
Investigation and evidence
Indictment and alleged burglary context
The reported attempted-burglary connection is a prosecution allegation, not an established motive or trial finding. [1]
Cold-case investigation
Investigators used public appeals, billboards and a reward during the prolonged investigation. Grand-jury review is documented, but the reports do not provide a complete inventory of physical evidence or testimony. [1]
Prosecution and defense positions
Prosecution: James is accused of responsibility for both killings; the unsealed-indictment reporting describes an attempted-burglary context. Defense: the reviewed coverage does not provide a detailed response. [1]
Courtroom developments
The October 6 report described an upcoming initial appearance. This file does not treat that early scheduling report as proof that the appearance occurred or that a trial has begun. [1]
Witnesses and testimony
Grand-jury testimony was reported, but the sources do not identify a complete witness roster or establish who will testify at trial. [2]
Verdict, sentencing and appeals
The documented stage is indictment and arrest. The reviewed sources do not report a verdict or sentence.
Key questions and documented answers
What evidence identifies the person responsible? The public reporting does not disclose the complete evidentiary basis. What supports the burglary allegation? It is described in reporting on the indictment. How will James’s reported age at the time affect proceedings? That issue requires case-specific court rulings; this page does not infer a ruling from his current age.