AUBURN, Ind. — A DeKalb County jury has begun hearing the case against 23-year-old Coltin Drew Herzog, who is charged with the murder of 17-year-old Blake Boese. The incident, which resulted in Boese’s death, occurred on May 23, 2024, at Auburn Crossings, previously known as West Edge Trailer Park.
Herzog faces the charge in DeKalb Superior Court II, accused of stabbing Boese in the upper chest in the 1100 block of Irene Street. Jury selection was completed Monday morning, swearing in ten men and four women, with opening statements scheduled for later in the day. The trial is expected to continue through Friday.
According to an affidavit from Indiana State Police Detective Clint Hetrick, officers responded to the scene on the day of the stabbing after receiving reports of a juvenile male, later identified as Boese, who was found bleeding and seeking assistance. Witnesses reported that Boese exclaimed he had been stabbed.
One resident attempted to keep Boese conscious while applying pressure to his wound. During their conversation, Boese identified himself and the attacker, providing a name that would later guide the investigation.
Initial inquiries led investigators to question a 19-year-old individual, but further investigation ultimately pointed to Herzog as the primary suspect. Eyewitnesses played a crucial role in corroborating the details surrounding the incident. One 17-year-old eyewitness reported being with Boese shortly before the stabbing, stating they encountered Herzog arriving in a red Jeep.
The eyewitness recounted an interaction in which Boese approached the vehicle, reportedly recognizing the driver, shortly before expressing concern over a knife and urging to flee. This encounter culminated in a confrontation that involved Herzog allegedly pursuing both youngsters after a dispute over some cannabis items.
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement collected information about a possible murder weapon from a local resident who discovered a knife, along with other items, in his trash can. This resident suggested that a youthful acquaintance, frustrated after an altercation, may have discarded the items.
The timeline of events leading to the stabbing suggests a dispute erupted over money during a purchase negotiation for THC cartridges, ultimately escalating into violence. The eyewitness detailed how Boese attempted to retrieve a bag from one of the individuals in the vehicle just moments before Herzog allegedly chased after them.
In the ensuing chaos, Herzog allegedly attempted to stab the eyewitness, who managed to fend him off. The chase then continued, with Herzog allegedly pursuing Boese, culminating in the fatal incident. The eyewitness was unaware that Boese had been stabbed until reaching home and hearing sirens shortly thereafter.
As the trial unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the tragedy that has overshadowed the lives of those involved. The events that transpired have sparked conversations about youth violence and the serious implications of such conflicts.
The trial, which is expected to draw significant attention, emphasizes the relevance of eyewitness accounts and the complexities involved in investigative processes. The outcome remains uncertain as both the defense and prosecution prepare their arguments throughout the proceedings.
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