A house fire in Elizabeth, Indiana on March 15, 2025, initially looked like a tragic accidental blaze but proved to be a homicide. First responders found 51-year-old David Shawn Woosley Sr inside the charred home; an autopsy showed he had been shot twice in the back of the head before the fire was set.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrested two people in connection with the killing: the victim’s son, 23-year-old David Woosley Jr., and 26-year-old Edward Powers. Both were charged with murder, arson, and obstruction of justice and are being held without bond pending jury trials. Investigators say the attack was planned, that Woosley was surprised in his bedroom and unable to defend himself, and that the fire was set to destroy evidence after spent shell casings were removed.

Court documents and text messages described a strained father–son relationship and custody disputes. Noted evidence includes surveillance footage placing Powers’ vehicle near the house the night of the fire, recovered firearms believed linked to the killing, and a handwritten letter found in David Jr.’s bedroom in a jar labeled Anger that discussed using anger to fight for someone mistreated.

Did anyone in Elizabeth know of escalating tensions in the family or see activity near the Woosley home on the night of March 15?