Media Release: Contacts: March 14, 2019 Michael Leffler (317) 327-5516, [email protected] Anna Bowman (317) 327-6181, [email protected]

Man charged in 1995 cold case murder of Tammy Surber Nearly 24 years after the murder, new information provided to IMPD leads to charges

(Indianapolis, Ind.) — Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry and IMPD Chief Bryan Roach announced today that Carl Tyler has been charged for the November 1995 murder of Tammy Surber. In January 2019, new information was brought to IMPD providing investigators with evidence alleging Tyler to be responsible for the unsolved murder.

“Ultimately the courage of a witness, along with advances in forensic testing, led to charges in a murder that remained unsolved for more than two decades,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry stated.

On November 25, 1995, Surber’s body was discovered near the side of the road in the 1200 block of South Bade Road on the eastside of Indianapolis. An autopsy examination determined the cause of death to be strangulation and other wounds. Investigators were unable to identify a suspect in the immediate investigation. Eventually, leads were exhausted and it became a cold case.

Prompted by the results of a DNA test submitted by IMPD’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, investigators interviewed Tyler in November 2011. According to the probable cause affidavit, he denied any knowledge of the victim or of the murder. The DNA evidence was not conclusive to connect Tyler to the murder and no additional evidence was found at the time to carry the case further.

In January 2019, investigators had a break in the case when a witness provided IMPD with information that Tyler had admitted to committing Surber’s murder and a recording in which Tyler allegedly discusses his involvement in the crime.

“More than two decades after this crime was committed, our detectives remained dedicated to bringing justice for Tammy Surber and her family,” said Chief Roach. “When we build strong relationships between police and community, we empower residents to take an active role in making our city safer. The actions of a brave witness helped remove this violent offender from our community.”

Carl Tyler was arrested last night. The case has been assigned to Criminal Court 6. An Initial Hearing has been set for Friday at 9:15 a.m.

A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

-30-

NOTE: The criminal charges and probable cause affidavit filed in this matter can be downloaded at: https://goo.gl/paaQWH