Plea agreement on table in murder, rape case

Facing charges of murder, rape and other felonies, Kyle N. Popplewell, 25, made a brief appearance in the Dubois County Circuit Court Monday morning.

The Ferdinand man is charged with murder and Level 1 felony counts of rape (two counts) and burglary, plus a Level 2 felony count of criminal confinement and a Level 5 felony count of battery causing serious bodily injury. Those charges stem from an incident January 10 in which he allegedly entered the home of Jeffrey D. Perry, 37, located east of St. Henry. Popplewell allegedly stabbed him before raping a woman staying there.

Popplewell makes first appearance in court for murder and rape charges

A jury trial is scheduled to begin November 14 but according to Popplewell’s attorney Steve Ripstra, he is in talks with the Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney’s office regarding a plea agreement in the case. Ripstra said the agreement includes Popplewell serving a substantial sentence for the counts against him.

No decision was made at Monday’s court appearance as the continuance hearing was moved to Thursday at 8:30 a.m.

Ripstra said he thought a decision on the plea agreement would be reached Thursday.

He added that if the prosecuting attorney’s office did not agree to the plea deal, he felt Popplewell could be facing the death penalty.