Samantha Mayhew faces involuntary manslaughter charges after a fight at a rural Indiana bonfire led to the death of Kiersten Moore. The altercation reportedly began when Mayhew questioned Moore about her child's custody. Mayhew is held on $30,000 bond in Owen County.
The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on a Saturday at a bonfire on Private Road 525 West in rural Owen County, Indiana. According to a probable cause affidavit cited by local reports, Samantha Mayhew, 33, and Kiersten Moore engaged in a physical confrontation after Mayhew asked Moore why she lacked custody of her child. Witnesses described Mayhew as the aggressor, noting that she grabbed Moore's hoodie, causing both to fall toward a nearby rock pile. The affidavit indicates Mayhew may have placed Moore in a chokehold during the struggle.
Mayhew was observed on top of Moore by witnesses, who also reported her as intoxicated, stating she was "f— up" on alcohol and other substances. Efforts by others to pull Mayhew away reportedly caused her facial injuries, including a large laceration on her cheek and blood on her clothing. When deputies arrived, Mayhew was walking along a road, smelling of alcohol and displaying an abusive attitude. She made statements such as "the b— started it," "I don't know, she came at me," and "I did this," while also mentioning that "they were trying to get her for that girl not breathing."
Responding officers found Moore unconscious with no visible injuries and transported her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Mayhew was arrested on the spot and charged with involuntary manslaughter by the Owen County Prosecutor's Office. An autopsy conducted on Tuesday has not yet determined the cause of death, and authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation out of respect for Moore's family.
Mayhew appeared in court on Monday and is scheduled to return on April 16. She remains in custody at the Owen County Security Center.
