Wrongful death lawsuit filed over murder of Logansport State Hospital patient

Monday, March 17, 2025 at 9:40 AM

By Shelby Lopez

A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against the state of Indiana for the murder of 45-year-old Travis Lunsford, a Logansport State Hospital patient who died Feb. 16 from the result of a beating that occurred at the facility by another patient.

Appointed as the personal representative for the case, Logansport attorney Andrew Miller filed a petition with the Cass Circuit Court to form an estate for Lunsford's family on March 11. Lunsford's sister, Julie Hill, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lunsford, for the sole purpose of bringing any and all action for damages against all entities who may be liable for Lunsford's death.

According to court documents, Indiana State Police began an investigation at Logansport State Hospital on Feb. 6, after the alleged battery had taken place in the facility two days prior. Preliminary investigation revealed that John Loran, 56, a Logansport State Hospital patient, battered two other inmates, leaving one victim, later identified as Lunsford, in critical condition.

Lunsford was later transferred to a hospital in Fort Wayne, where he died from his injuries two weeks after the beating.

Police found the attacks had been seemingly random and that Loran had been holding the door open for other patients when he struck Lunsford in the face with his elbow. When Lunsford fell to the ground, Loran allegedly stood over him and continued punching him several more times before stomping on his head.

The other victim was reported to have been attacked in a similar manner, but sustained minor injuries.

On Feb. 18, Loran arrested and booked at the Cass County Jail with charges of murder, a Level 1 felony; aggravated battery, a Level 3 felony; and battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, a Level 6 felony.