From Election Triumph to Murder Conviction: The Case of Andrew Wilhoite

Andrew Wilhoite, who won a primary election for a township board position while charged with killing his estranged wife, has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter.

Wilhoite, 41, was found guilty by a Boone County jury in Lebanon, Indiana, for the death of his wife, Elizabeth "Nikki" Wilhoite. She was reported missing and later found in a creek near her home after filing for divorce and completing chemotherapy treatments for cancer.

According to reports, Wilhoite admitted to hitting his wife with a flowerpot during an argument and then disposing of her body in the creek. He now faces 10 to 30 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for June 4. Despite the verdict, one of his attorneys, Jennifer Lukemeyer, declined to comment.


Wilhoite had initially been one of three Republican candidates in the 2022 primary for a township board position but later withdrew from the race. He received 60 out of 276 total votes for Republicans, ultimately losing the election. The entire incident has shocked the community and shed light on a tragic domestic situation.

The case has raised concerns about individuals holding positions of power despite facing serious criminal charges. Wilhoite's journey from winning a primary election to being convicted of a lesser charge serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of domestic disputes. The legal proceedings have brought some closure to the tragic loss of Elizabeth "Nikki" Wilhoite's life, but the impact of this incident will continue to resonate within the local community for years to come.

Posted in Crime & Law Business & Politics by Paul van der Maas