Logansport State Hospital patient charged with murder

A patient from Logansport State Hospital is facing murder charges after he allegedly battered two patients earlier this month at the facility.

According to Indiana State Police, a criminal investigation by ISP Detective Mike Lorona has resulted in the arrest of John Loran, 56, who is now facing charges of murder, aggravated battery and battery. 

According to reports, Lorona began the investigation Feb. 6 after an alleged battery had taken place at Logansport State Hospital two days prior. The preliminary investigation revealed that Loran had been a patient at the facility when he battered two other inmates, critically injuring Travis Lunsford, 45, originally from London, Ky. Medics transferred Lunsford to a hospital in Fort Wayne, where he died from his injuries on Feb. 16. 

Police found the attacks had been seemingly random and that Loran had been holding the door open for people when he struck Lunsford in the face with his elbow. Once Lunsford fell to the ground, Loran allegedly stood over him and continued to punch him. 

It was reported that the other victim had been attacked by Loran in a similar matter, but had sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was quickly treated and released. 

On Tuesday, Loran was arrested and charged with murder, a Level 1 felony, aggravated battery posing a substantial risk of death, a Level 3 felony, and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony.