VINCENNES, IN — August 5, 2025 — A tragic shooting Tuesday afternoon has left the Vincennes community in mourning as authorities confirm that Taylor Hendershot, a 30-year-old local woman, was shot and killed outside Cardinal Liquor Store. The alleged gunman, Dylan Smith, 32, has been arrested and charged with murder, according to a press release from the Vincennes Police Department (VPD).
Shooting at Cardinal Liquor Store
At approximately 12:56 p.m., VPD officers were dispatched to Cardinal Liquor, located at 2101 N. Sixth Street, after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Taylor Hendershot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Emergency responders provided medical aid on-site, but tragically, she was later pronounced dead.
Knox County Coroner Joe Millspaugh Jr. later confirmed Hendershot’s identity in a separate press release. The cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.
Suspect Flees and Crashes SUV
According to the VPD statement, the suspect—Dylan Smith—fled the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade. A short time later, officers located the SUV crashed and abandoned just one block away from the scene.
Based on information gathered at the crash site, authorities tracked Smith to a nearby residence at 809 Carbon Street.
Armed Standoff at Carbon Street
When officers arrived at the Carbon Street location, they evacuated other individuals from the home and confirmed that Smith was inside and armed with a knife. What followed was a prolonged, high-tension standoff that lasted several hours.
With the help of tactical teams and non-lethal intervention tools—described in the VPD release as “less lethal devices”—Smith was eventually subdued and taken into custody without further incident.
Smith Charged with Murder
Following his arrest, Dylan Smith was officially charged with murder and taken into custody. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and no further details regarding Smith’s relationship with Hendershot have been made public at this time.
Multi-Agency Response
The incident prompted an immediate and coordinated law enforcement response. Assisting agencies included:
- Indiana State Police
- Princeton Police Department
- Knox County Sheriff’s Department
- Vincennes University Police Department
- Knox County Prosecutor’s Office
Their swift action helped prevent further danger to the public and led to the safe arrest of the suspect.
Investigation Continues
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident, Smith’s whereabouts prior to the shooting, or his possible motives to contact the Vincennes Police Department or Knox County Prosecutor’s Office.
As the legal proceedings begin, the Vincennes community continues to process the sudden loss of Taylor Hendershot, whose life was cut tragically short. Loved ones are expected to announce memorial plans in the coming days.
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