Sentencing updates in separate Indiana criminal cases

Two separate criminal sentencing hearings took place in Indiana involving murder convictions.

In Whiting, Leonardo Nunez was sentenced to 70 years in prison for the March 2024 shooting death of 14-year-old Damien Abenante. Nunez received 60 years for murder and an additional 10 years due to a firearm enhancement. The victim was shot in the chest while walking with family and friends near a park.

In Goshen, Nicholas Stanley, 36, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for the June 2025 killing of Allen Cogswell. Stanley received 65 years for murder and 15 years for a firearm enhancement. During his trial, Stanley testified that he killed Cogswell, a sex offender who had assaulted a relative of Stanley, stating he felt he had to protect his family.