(Michigan City, IN) - A mistrial was declared today in connection with the beating death of an inmate at Westville Correctional Facility allegedly at the hands of another offender.

 

Donell Davis, 30, was standing trial for murder and aggravated battery in the death of John Taylor.

 

Authorities said the 35 year old Taylor was beaten in the bathroom of a dormitory and his body dragged to his cell in November of 2023.

 

A request by the defense for a mistrial was granted by La Porte Superior Court 2 Judge Richard Stalbrink, Jr. in response to testimony from a witness.

 

In general, La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said witnesses, occasionally, make statements that result in mistrials if something in their testimony is found to have a potential unfair influence on a jury.

 

“The judge is being the umpire making sure everything is going according to the rules,” he said.

 

A new trial is scheduled to begin January 26.

 

Davis was serving time for crimes like arson in Marion County.

 

Taylor was convicted of seriously injuring a person in a beating in Greene County near Bloomington.