Teen convicted of murdering, molesting 6-year-old New Carlisle girl to be moved to adult facility

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Anthony Hutchens, who was convicted in the 2021 murder and molestation of 6-year-old Grace Ross, will serve the rest of his sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction.

Hutchens, 19, was handed a 64-year suspended sentence in March of 2023 for murdering and molesting Grace Ross. Hutchens was 14 at the time of the murder and 16 at the time of his sentencing.

Hutchens had been serving his sentence at a juvenile detention center. During a reevaluation hearing Friday, Oct. 23, St. Joseph County Judge Jeffrey Sanford ordered him moved to an adult facility for the remainder of his sentence as a term of probation.

Last year, Sanford extended Hutchens’ stay at the juvenile detention center by one year. Sanford said Friday that Hutchens had shown no changes in his behavior and was not fit to return to the community.

Hutchens will serve 55 years for murder and nine years for child molestation in the Indiana Department of Correction.

Family reacts to decision

It was a very emotional day for the family of Grace Ross, with her mother’s statement being read in court for the first time ever on Friday morning.

“It’s been five years, so there’s a lot of emotion and everything, so we’re really happy with this decision today with the judge finally made a really good decision,” Michelle Ross said.

Grace’s grandmother told WNDU “some justice was served today and I’m very thankful for that,” although she said she just wants her granddaughter back.

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