Inmate Convicted of Child Murder Released on Parole in Indiana Without Prior Notification to Prosecutors

An inmate convicted of murdering an 11-month-old girl was released from a US prison approximately 30 years ahead of the original sentence. The inmate, who had been serving a 55-year term imposed in 2002 for strangling the infant, was paroled in December 2025 and returned to Evansville, Indiana. GB News reported that the release occurred without notification to local prosecutors.

Vanderburgh County prosecutor Diana Moers stated that her office was informed of the parole only after a member of the public recognized the inmate from the 2002 trial and contacted authorities. The tip prompted an investigation into the lack of communication from the Indiana Department of Corrections.

This incident occurred before new state laws requiring advance notice for the release of serious violent felons took effect.

The inmate, originally named Jonathan Richardson, was diagnosed with gender dysphoria in 2020 and changed their name to Autumn Cordellioné while ceasing to identify as male. In 2023, the inmate filed a civil rights lawsuit with the American Civil Liberties Union challenging the Indiana Department of Corrections' ban on gender-affirming surgery for inmates.

A court issued a preliminary injunction in response, which was extended in March 2025, directing the department to take reasonable actions to provide the surgery.

Legal Challenges and Statements Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita commented on the lawsuit, stating that the state would defend its ban on using taxpayer funds for such surgeries.

The attorney general described the request as lacking common sense. The legal action highlighted ongoing debates over medical care for transgender inmates in correctional facilities.