INDIANAPOLIS -- The City-County Council is expected to vote on funding later this month for a proposed witness protection program in Indianapolis.
Supporters of the proposal, like Kelly Hutchinson, are hoping the program could lead to more justice.
Hutchinson's 25-year-old son, Phillip Brown, was gunned down on June 29, 2016 at the Blackburn Terrace Apartments. There have been no arrests in his murder.
Police say their investigation was hampered by uncooperative witnesses.
"They need to protect witnesses? Exactly. There was a witness that could have identified your son's killer, but they didn't come forward? Exactly. That makes you sad? I'm past sad. I'm pissed. Angry. It's crazy," said Hutchinson.
Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry shares Hutchinson's frustration and welcomes a witness protection program.
"Witnesses disappear on us. Witnesses recant on us. Any scenario where we can increase cooperation among citizens who have information, by definition we will be able to obtain more convictions," said Curry.
Some say a lack of convictions also emboldens criminals on the street.
"That means I can do it and the great odds are that I can get away with, with it because nobody is gonna tell on me. We can't have that kind of environment," said Rev. David Greene, Concerned Clergy President.
Initial funding for the witness protection program will be $300,000 and will be administered by the Office of Public Safety and Criminal Justice.
When testifying before the City County Council Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee Wednesday night, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Bryan Roach said one way the money might be used is to house a witness in a hotel or in a different location.
The full council is expected to vote on the witness protection program on January 29.
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