JURY SEES THROUGH MURDERER’S ATTEMPTS TO PLACE BLAME ON METH USE, FINDS HIM GUILTY AS CHARGED

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on Friday, April 24, a jury found Robert Lee Ballard Jr. guilty of Murder, multiple counts of attempted murder, and other crimes, in connection with a deadly shooting that happened nearly 8 years ago.

Ballard was arrested on Friday, May 18, 2018, after opening fire on a vehicle parked at a home on West Delaware Street that had two women and two kids inside. Both women, Ladonna Davis and Amanda Weir, were shot, and Weir passed away from her injuries.

A week before the shooting took place, an 18-year relationship between Ballard and Davis had ended. It was tradition that they would go out to eat on Friday – information used by Ballard to conduct his murderous ploy. Ballard’s intentions were further revealed when he indicated that he had parked his motorcycle in an alley to conceal his vehicle at the time of the attack, and that he was “planning” a few days before the shooting occurred.

After fatally injuring Weir and injuring Davis, Ballard attempted to flee the scene – but a nearby resident was able to stop him. As that resident was confronting Ballard, Ballard fired a shot at him, leading to a firefight between both men before Ballard was taken into custody by police.

At trial, Deputy Prosecutors presented a mountain of evidence against Ballard, including firearm forensics connecting Ballard’s gun to the shell casings recovered from the scene, an autopsy report and testimony from a doctor, bodycam footage and crime scene photos, 911 calls, and witness testimony.

The State also presented a phone call made by Ballard eight days after the shooting as evidence, where Ballard said he would be going for that “temporary psychiatric thing” and he asked family to send 18 black roses to Weir’s funeral for the “18 years of hell her momma gave him.”
Ballard indicated to doctors that he had been using methamphetamine significantly for months prior to the shooting, and even on the day of the offenses. The doctors who were appointed to evaluate Ballard also testified about his methamphetamine use and how it influenced his behavior.

Ballard’s trial was delayed for several years due to his intentional efforts to portray himself as incompetent – but he was eventually found to be “malingering” by doctors and competent to stand trial.
After hearing all the evidence against Ballard, the jury found him guilty as charged on all seven counts. Despite Ballard’s efforts, the jury did not find him “guilty but mentally ill,” indicating they saw past his attempts to portray himself as mentally impaired and recognized his true murderous nature.
In addition to being found guilty of one count of F1 Murder, three counts of F1 Attempted Murder, one count of F5 Battery by means of a Deadly Weapon, one count of F5 Intimidation, and one misdemeanor count of carrying a handgun without a license, the jury also found Ballard eligible for a Felony Firearm Enhancement.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Audrey Beckerle and Keaton Maurer tried the case, and the Honorable Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed presided.

The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the law enforcement officers involved in investigating this case, including EPD Detective D. Smith, who worked as the lead detective on the case, as well as Officer M. Reid and Officer B. Hallmark. Staff members at the Prosecutor’s Office who also substantially assisted with the case include Jessica Pollock, Tony Carden, Morgan Richardville, Robyn Mastison, and Jen Savage.

Ballard is set to be sentenced on May 15. Murder carries a possible penalty of 45 to 65 years, while each count of Attempted Murder carries a sentence range of 20 to 40 years. Battery by means of a Deadly Weapon and Intimidation both carry a sentence range of 1 to 6 years, and the firearm enhancement carries a possible consecutive sentence of an additional 5 to 20 years.