By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — A Nappanee woman received a 94-year prison sentence after being convicted of murdering a Warsaw man and attacking two others.

Vickie Louise Wooldridge, 45, was found guilty in an August jury trial of murder, a felony; attempted murder, a level 1 felony; aggravated battery and attempted criminal confinement, both level 3 felonies; and battery while armed with a deadly weapon, a level 5 felony.

Wooldridge was sentenced in Kosciusko Circuit Court on Friday, Sept. 2.

Victim Impact Statements

Kosciusko Circuit Court was filled with family, friends and supporters of Matthew Lucas; Diane and Bill Burr; and Vickie Wooldridge.

Wooldridge’s charges stem from Dec. 15, 2020, when she murdered Matthew, attempted to murder Bill, and attacked Diane. Diane passed away about two weeks after Matthew’s death as a result of COVID-19.

Several victim impact statements were read and testimonials were made, the first being from Makia Lucas, Matthew’s daughter.

Makia, who was 13 when her father died, described Matthew as her “absolute best friend, the closest person I ever had, my supporter and my shoulder to cry on.”

On the morning of Dec. 15, 2020, Matthew and Vickie both took Makia to school. Makia recalled when her school went on lockdown and she was brought into a conference room by herself.

“Vickie has made my life hell and I spend all my days wondering why,” said Makia. “The lady who I spent so much time with, who sat my pictures on (my dad’s) bed after she murdered him … What Vickie has done has destroyed my life. My dad won’t get to see me graduate or walk me down the aisle.”

A letter from Michael and Stacey Lucas was read to the court by Stacey. Michael is Matthew’s brother.

In their statement, they described Matthew as a “kind, loving, giving, understanding person.”

“Our family lost a lot that day but we are just as strong as ever,” read Stacey. “We will never be the same again but we are stronger together.”

Stacey said they have prayed for Vickie, but told the court to not confuse their grace with their hope for Wooldridge to get life in prison.

Kelly Bugg, Bill’s sister, read statements from Bill as well as a letter from Cassie Burr, Matthew’s sister.

“Vickie’s actions caused unmeasurable grief and suffering,” read Cassie’s letter. “My mother was famous for her giving and compassion. My parents didn’t deserve to be harmed…our home was supposed to be a refuge. Vickie Wooldridge robbed my family of peace.”

Cassie’s letter stated that Vickie appeared to show no remorse or sorrow throughout the trial and requested the court ensure that Vickie never gets freedom.

In his statement, Bill said his wife died from a broken heart. He also discussed still being able to clearly recall every detail of the day, including the last time he saw Matthew smile and the moment that Vickie attacked him.

Bugg then testified on the aftermath of Dec. 15, 2020. She recalled making a flurry of phone calls to family members, including calls to Stacey in Kentucky and Cassie, who lives in Louisiana.

When asked by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Brad Voelz about the family’s feelings on Vickie being at large following the murder, Bugg said the family was terrified. She said the family was worried that Vickie would try and go after Matthew’s two children or Diane’s brother.

“Bill and Diane had been nothing but kind to (Vickie),” said Bugg. “Why would she want to hurt them and Matthew?”

Four of Vickie’s family members testified on Vickie’s character, the first being Devon Farmer, Vickie’s nephew.

Devon described his relationship with Vickie as similar to a sister who was always there for him.

“She took care of me like I was her kid,” said Devon. “She allowed me to be a child and has always shown me what hard work looks like.”

Chris Wooldridge, Vickie’s husband, said Vickie is a great wife and mother who raised four wonderful sons. He recalled Vickie becoming addicted to opiates following a medical treatment and said she was “not herself” a month before the murder happened.

Chris told the court that Matthew was “feeding her dope” and that he had asked Bill to keep Matthew away from Vickie.

Chris Wooldridge Jr., Vickie’s oldest son, described Vickie as “the greatest mother I have ever laid eyes on.”

“The mom that was at Matthew’s house was not my mom,” said Chris Jr. “The drugs, they’re the killer in this situation.”

Sabrina Farmer, Vickie’s sister, said the situation has been hard for both the Wooldridge and Lucas families.

“My sister…I know that my sister loved Matthew,” said Sabrina. “My sister doesn’t kill people…I want to know why and what happened.”

Attorney Statements

Following victim impact statements, Voelz and Defense Attorney Anthony Churchward presented arguments to the court.

Voelz requested Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed consider consecutive sentencing for Vickie’s charges due to the severity of the crimes that Vickie committed and the number of victims involved.

“The extended Burr family is incredibly strong, resilient, faithful, loving, and supportive of one another,” said Voelz. “They have been an inspiration to me and our entire team as we worked hard for them to gain justice and, hopefully, eventually, peace of mind.”

Voelz also mentioned Makia’s courage in testifying and expressing her feelings about the loss of her father to the court.

“It was tough to hear the grief she still suffers over the loss of her father,” said Voelz. “Tougher still is to hear about Makia’s fears and nightmares which still occur and which are caused by ‘the lady who I trusted with my secrets—the lady I spent so much time with.’ Vickie Wooldridge violated that trust.”

Churchward asked Judge Reed to vacate Vickie’s aggravated battery charge, as being sentenced on both it and attempted murder would result in double jeopardy. He said Vickie’s drug use explains her behavior, as she became a different person uno using drugs.

Churchward also requested Judge Reed consider no more than the advisory sentence for Vickie’s charges.

Vickie did not provide a statement in court.

Sentencing

Judge Reed noted that he was sentencing Vickie for the crimes she committed, not on if she was a good or bad person, or if Matthew was a good or bad person.

“I have hundreds of drug cases that come before my court,” said Judge Reed. “This is the first one I’m aware of where someone has murdered and attempted to murder. These victims are people you purportedly loved, who cared for you and supported you.”

He said that this murder case was the “most gruesome” Circuit Court has ever seen. Judge Reed also noted Vickie’s lack of responsibility and remorse for what she did.

For murder, Judge Reed sentenced Vickie to 55 years in the Indiana Department of Correction. She received a 30-year sentence for attempted murder. Both counts will run consecutively.

Judge Reed also ruled to vacate the aggravated battery charge. For attempted criminal confinement, Vickie received a nine-year DoC sentence. She also received a three-year DoC sentence for battery with a deadly weapon. The sentences for the attempted criminal confinement and battery with a deadly weapon charges will both run concurrently, or at the same time. This will also run consecutively to the sentences imposed on Vickie’s murder and attempted murder charges.

In total, Vickie Wooldridge received a 94-year prison sentence.

A restitution order in the amount of $41,381.41 for the cost of Bill Burr’s medical bills was also filed.

Churchward said Vickie will seek an appeal of the sentence.

Following Vickie’s sentencing, Voelz publicly thanked several individuals for their hard work and dedication throughout the jury trial.

“Josh Spangle from the (Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office) really answered the bell,” said Voelz in a press release. “Josh’s ability to not only collect evidence but also to analyze and present it compellingly in court is incredible. Neil Likens from the sheriff’s office directed the initial investigation and later immediately answered any questions we had about other possible leads. The staff of the prosecutor’s office also dedicated themselves to help Bill and his family through this difficult time. Dan Hampton, Matt Buehler, Joe Sobek, and Katy Hampton each played a significant role preparing, researching and consulting on many complicated legal issues. Linda Giusti and Lana Horoho did great work in their role as victim assistants. Trish Smith gathered, organized and shared with the attorneys mountains of collected evidence, photographs, videos and interviews. Chris McKeand was our sounding board and voice of reason, and Jody Hill helped us to get along and stay focused through it all. This was a total team effort.”