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.
Former Roachdale Town Marshal sentenced to probation
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance announces 2027 summer internship program
Gov. Braun extends tax filing deadline for Hoosiers impacted by August storms
Read your FEMA letter carefully
Road closure to impact U.S. 36 in Parke and Putnam counties
South Vermillion to honor fallen mom all season
BMV branches closed for Labor Day weekend
New traffic pattern to impact State Road 63 near Newport
Riddell National Bank makes new scoreboard reality for Parke Heritage
Riverton Parke to remember fallen player
Rockville man arrested after setting fires
Governor Braun delivers another month of gas savings for Hoosier families
$120M granted to Indiana to improve healthcare access
Find a cooling center near you with Indiana 211
2026 Indiana State Fair celebrates Hoosier spirit, summer fun and memories made
State health officials and emergency healthcare providers agree to discontinue routine hospital diversion
Heat Advisory in effect through Thursday evening
USDA offers disaster assistance to Ag producers in Indiana impacted by recent flooding
First Indiana human case of West Nile found in Allen County
Legendary 'Indiana Rangers' receive Presidential Unit Citation, Sagamore of the Wabash for Vietnam War heroism
