Indiana judge shot at White Castle during judicial conference enters guilty plea
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Judge Andrew Adams of Clark County, Indiana, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery Monday for his role in a fracas at a White Castle parking lot that left him hospitalized for 16 days with a gunshot wound to his stomach.
Adams was sentenced to 365 days in jail, with credit for two days served and the rest of the sentence suspended, the Indianapolis Star reports. Prosecutors dropped felony charges in the plea deal.
Another Clark County judge, Bradley Jacobs, was also shot and wounded during the May 1 incident. He was not charged in the case.
The judges went to the White Castle after visiting several bars and restaurants. They were in Indianapolis to attend the Spring Judicial College, a three-day educational event sponsored by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Also charged in the case are the alleged gunman, Brandon Kaiser, and his friend, Alfredo Vazquez. Both are facing felony and misdemeanor battery charges. Kaiser was also charged with battery with a deadly weapon and carrying a handgun without a license.
Adams was accused of hitting and wrestling with Vazquez and kicking Kaiser. Vazquez and Kaiser are accused of hitting and kicking the two judges.
Vazquez has been offered the same plea agreement that was offered to Adams, the Marion County prosecutor’s office told the Indianapolis Star.
Adams apologized in court to his family, the Indiana State Bar Association and the court, according to the Indianapolis Star story. His lawyer, Jennifer Lukemeyer, said Adams is suffering from post-traumatic stress from watching his friend being shot.
It’s unclear whether Adams will return to the bench, according to the story. He was suspended with pay because he had been charged with felonies.
