Suspect who died of self-inflicted gunshot in Shelbyville is prime suspect in Terre Haute death

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 1:26 PM

By Staff report

A man who died of a self-inflicted gunshot while surrounded by law enforcement in Shelbyville is the suspect in a Vigo County death investigation.

About 6 p.m. on June 20, Terre Haute Police officers responded to the 3900 block of Riley Avenue regarding a death investigation. Officers located an adult female deceased inside her bedroom. Preliminary investigation determined the victim had been deceased for several hours.

Terre Haute Police detectives and crime scene technicians responded to process the scene. During the investigation, it was determined the victim had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Detectives also discovered a bullet hole entering the victim's bedroom, indicating the shot had been fired from outside the residence.

As the investigation progressed, detectives identified John M. Guess, 54, of Terre Haute, as the suspect. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated Guess discharged a rifle from his garage, and the round traveled into the victim's residence, fatally striking the victim while she slept in her bedroom.

On June 25, THPD detectives, working in coordination with the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office, obtained a search warrant for Guess's vehicle. Shortly after the warrant was obtained, investigators determined that Guess had traveled to the Shelbyville area. Detectives notified the Shelbyville Police Department that Guess was believed to be armed, was the suspect in a homicide investigation, and that Terre Haute Police Department had an active search warrant for the vehicle he was operating. Shortly after receiving that information, Shelbyville Police officers located the vehicle in the Church of the Nazarene parking lot on South State Road 9. Additional officers responded to assist, and officers attempted to make contact with Guess. During the encounter, Guess produced what appeared to be a shotgun and discharged a single round, resulting in a self-inflicted fatal injury.

No officers discharged their firearms, and no law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

The Terre Haute Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the victim's family and loved ones during this tragic and senseless incident. They also offered appreciation to the assistance provided by the Shelbyville Police Department and the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office throughout this investigation.