Indiana farmer accused of killing wife, dumping body in creek

LEBANON, Ind. — An Indiana woman was found dead in a creek near her Lebanon home, one week after she filed for legal separation from her husband, whom authorities have arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Police in the rural community found 41-year-old Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite’s body in about three feet of water at around 3 a.m. Saturday, less than a day after the mother of two was reported missing, WXIN reported.

Social media posts indicate that Nikki Wilhoite recently finished chemotherapy, WTHR reported, noting that coworkers reported her missing on Friday after she did not show up for work.

“I can’t even imagine the overwhelming grief the family is going through, also, their friends and the community as a whole,” Indiana State Police Sgt. Ron Galaviz told the TV station.

The family is well known in the close-knit community as the owners of Wilhoite Family Farms, WXIN reported.

According to the TV station, state police detectives believe that Andrew Wilhoite struck Nikki Wilhoite in the head during an argument, knocking her unconscious. He is then accused of driving her to the creek and dumping her body.

Meanwhile, a Facebook post from Andrew Wilhoite indicates that Nikki Wilhoite had been battling cancer and wrapped up chemotherapy treatments last week.

“She was trying to get well, and for him to do something like that to her it’s not right.” neighbor Laura Vaughn told WXIN.

Police have not released a motive for the killing, but court records confirm that Nikki Wilhoite filed for a separation from Andrew Wilhoite on March 17. The couple had been married for more than 12 years, the TV station reported.

Andrew Wilhoite is being held in the Boone County Jail without bond but has not been formally charged, WTHR reported.

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