OWEN COUNTY INDIANA, An Indiana woman has been charged after a fight at a bonfire gathering led to the death of another woman, according to authorities.
The Owen County Prosecutor’s Office said 33-year-old Samantha Mayhew faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Kiersten Moore. Mayhew is currently being held at the Owen County Security Center on a $30,000 bond.
Investigators said the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday during a bonfire gathering in a rural area of Owen County. Witnesses told authorities that an argument began after Mayhew allegedly asked Moore why she did not have custody of her child.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the dispute escalated into a physical fight between the two women. Witnesses reportedly described Mayhew as the aggressor. During the altercation, Mayhew allegedly grabbed Moore’s hoodie, causing both women to fall toward a pile of rocks. Investigators also learned that Mayhew may have placed Moore in a chokehold during the fight.
Deputies responding to a call at the property encountered Mayhew walking along a nearby road. Officers reported that she had a large cut on her cheek, blood on her clothing, and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
According to investigators, Mayhew made several statements to deputies at the scene regarding the altercation.
Authorities located Moore unconscious at the scene. She was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Officials said Moore did not appear to have obvious visible injuries at the scene. An autopsy has been conducted, but the official cause of death has not yet been released.
The Owen County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation about the case out of respect for the victim and her family.
Mayhew appeared in court earlier this week and is scheduled to return for a hearing on April 16.
