Indiana Parole of Convicted Child Killer Triggers Legislative Push for Transparency

Jonathan Richardson, also known as Autumn Cordellioné, has been released on parole from the Indiana Department of Correction after serving approximately 24 years for the murder of an 11-month-old infant. The release has triggered significant scrutiny from law enforcement and the public in Evansville and surrounding communities.

Richardson was convicted in 2002 for the manual strangulation of his stepdaughter in 2001. At the time of the incident, the child’s mother was at work, leaving the infant in Richardson’s care. A judge originally handed down a 55-year prison sentence for the felony murder conviction following the tragic discovery of the child’s death by asphyxiation.

Despite the lengthy sentence, Richardson’s release occurred this week, significantly earlier than the full term initially anticipated by the victim's family. Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers stated her office was never formally notified by the Department of Correction regarding the specific timing of the parole.

Moers confirmed that local authorities only became aware of Richardson’s presence in the Evansville area through a tip from a concerned citizen who recognized the individual. This lack of inter-agency communication has fueled a renewed push for legislative changes regarding inmate release protocols across the state of Indiana.

The case is now being cited as a primary reason for the support of Indiana House Bill 1250. This proposed legislation would mandate that the Department of Correction provide official, timely notification to local prosecutors when serious violent felons are scheduled for release into the community.

During his time in prison, Richardson began identifying as a transgender woman and legally changed his name to Autumn Cordellioné. He previously garnered national headlines after filing a lawsuit against the state seeking gender-affirming surgery while incarcerated.

Public response has been largely critical of the parole, with many residents expressing concern over the early release of a person convicted of a violent crime against a child. The Indiana Department of Correction has not released a detailed statement explaining the exact good-time credit calculations that facilitated this release.

As of Thursday, April 9, 2026, the local prosecutor's office continues to advocate for stricter transparency requirements. The situation remains a point of intense debate within the Indiana General Assembly as officials weigh public safety concerns against existing sentencing laws.