Charges near against policeman in ex-wife killing

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Prosecutors said they were preparing to file stalking charges against an Indianapolis police officer who authorities said fatally shot his ex-wife and then killed himself.

Police said Sgt. Ryan Anders committed the shootings on Thursday after breaking into the home of Kimberlee Carmack, who was also a police officer.

The couple divorced in October after a six-year relationship. The Indianapolis Star reports that Carmack wrote last month in a petition for a protection order against Anders that she was “extremely afraid” of his violent actions.

A court hearing on that order had been scheduled for April 29.

Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry said his office was close to filing a felony stalking charge against Anders. Investigators were trying to determine if Anders had been using a cellphone app to track his ex-wife’s whereabouts.

Curry told WTHR-TV that they would be making serious allegations against a police officer and prosecutors wanted to make sure they had a solid case before they went to court.

In the application for a restraining order, Carmack said that Anders had been abusive throughout their six-year relationship.

“I have reported this to my commander even though I was afraid Ryan would retaliate against me. He has showed up unexpectedly in several situations. He accuses me of having affairs with other officers. His aggression is escalating and I am extremely afraid for my life,” the petition said.

Carmack obtained a restraining order against Anders on March 29, and prosecutors began investigating the possibility of charging Anders.

Both officers were on administrative leave during an internal police investigation of what officials called mutual issues between them.

Curry said nothing pointed to an urgent crisis. Police and prosecutors weren’t aware that Carmack had returned home from a “safe place” that had been provided to her.

“Unfortunately for whatever reason, she made the tragic decision to go back to the house,” he said.

Carmack was a 20-year veteran of the department. Anders had been on the police force for nine years and was promoted to sergeant in 2011.

Carmack’s funeral is scheduled for Wednesday at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral and is expected to include a police honor guard. Anders’ funeral Thursday is not considered an official police burial, officials said.