Murder trial postponed until 2026

The latest postponement in the pending murder trial for Quentin Lamont Porter, Jr., accused of the July 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old Malik Darea Sims, pushes the projected start date to early 2026.

Although originally set to get underway on Jan. 21, the trial was delayed until May 12 of this year. On May 5, however, a hearing was held in the Owen County Circuit Court I on a motion for continuance filed by the defense. Arguments from both sides were heard, with the court ultimately resetting the start date to July 21.

A series of subpoenas/summons were filed on July 9 and July 10 in preparation for the Aug. 4 start date, however, the trial start was again cancelled on and rescheduled for Jan. 20, 2026 beginning at 9 a.m. in Owen County Circuit Court I.

Porter remains in custody without bond at the Owen County Security Center pending the upcoming trial by jury. The court has allotted eight days for the trial, excluding Saturday and Sunday.

More in-depth coverage of the case was published in the August 2024 issue of The Owen News. The full article can be accessed on our website.

Porter did appear in the Owen Circuit Court I on May 12 and 13 alongside his attorney Jacob Fish to face related but separate charges of escape and battery against a public safety official.

Jury selection in this case began and concluded on day one of the two-day trial, followed by the State of Indiana, represented by county prosecutor Benjamin Kim, presenting evidence and witnesses before resting its case. Not having adequate time to conclude the trial in a single day, the jury was recessed until the following day when Porter was ultimately found guilty on both felony counts.

A notice of appeal was received by the court on July 11.