A family visit in Aurora ended in a deadly confrontation on May 28, 2020. Around 10:00 p.m. in the 800 block of Indiana Avenue, 19-year-old Nicholas Woodruff was shot in the chest and later died at Highpoint Health after an altercation with his 64-year-old uncle, Robert L. Marksberry. Earlier that day Marksberry had acquired a .32 caliber handgun and two bullets from a family member. During the evening visit to the home of his half-brother, Terry Woodruff, an argument erupted as Marksberry was leaving; Nicholas reportedly climbed into the bed of Marksberry’s truck and handled items including a chainsaw or trimmer. Marksberry warned him away, and when Nicholas struck Marksberry in the face, a single shot was fired that struck Nicholas in the chest.

Marksberry fled but was later located at a home in Bennington and arrested. The case was investigated by the Indiana State Police and the Aurora Police Department. Reports say investigators developed evidence suggesting Marksberry acted under the influence of a sudden heat of passion and that Nicholas had reportedly used methamphetamine shortly before the incident. Marksberry pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on June 15, 2021. Anyone with information about Nicholas, his final hours, or the events that night is asked to come forward.