Buyer of former home of accused killer getting unwanted attention
By James D. Wolf Jr. Post-Tribune correspondent July 14, 2012 11:24PM
Amanda Bach
Updated: August 17, 2012 6:45AM
UNION TOWNSHIP — The homicide of Amanda Bach, 19, of Portage last fall has led to some problems for the family that purchased the house where her accused killer lived.
The Mills family bought the house from the McCowan family on June 1, and since then, they’ve received unwanted attention.
Gawkers have slowed their vehicles as they pass the house, and during a weekend vigil for Bach, someone came and attached a photo of Bach to the Mills family mailbox.
Karen Mills said they realized in the middle of the buying process to whom the house had belonged.
Dustin E. McCowan, 19, had lived there before he was charged with Bach’s murder.
Porter County Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Larry LaFlower confirmed that the Mills family contacted him after they bought the house in case police needed to look at it.
Mills released a statement Friday by email:
“We sympathize with the Bach family in the tragic loss of their daughter and spoke with Sgt. LaFlower last month when we purchased the McCowan home to offer any help. As of today, we have been informed that none is needed.
“However, we ask that family, friends and the surrounding communities show the same respect for our family and property. We request that everyone neither leave any memorials nor similar materials on our property, nor approach our children. This matter is being handled accordingly within the justice system and needs to remain there. Thank you.”
She also said the family is concerned for their children’s well being.
