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Founder
I am a former elected prosecuting attorney with three decades in Indiana criminal courts. During my career, I tried more than 200 jury trials and learned how the State builds and presents a case, knowledge I now use to defend my clients.
In that role I hired, supervised, and trained the deputies handling felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases. I saw every stage of the system, from investigation to sentencing.
I am one of a handful of Indiana prosecutors to have handled a death penalty case, and I secured life without parole in two murder cases.
That experience shapes how I defend a case. After reading thousands of police reports, I know where the errors, omissions, and procedural defects turn up, and how to use them for you.
These are a few of the cases I prosecuted. Each was complex and defended by highly skilled defense attorneys. This experience will be used to defend you in low level misdemeanors up to the most complex criminal case.
Murder of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton
Prosecuted the defendant for the murder of Richmond Police Department Officer Seara Burton and filed the request to seek the death penalty. Three exceptional defense attorneys were appointed to represent the defendant. A death penalty case is among the most complex and demanding prosecutions in the law, and very few prosecutors or defense attorneys in Indiana have handled one.
Murder
Secured a murder conviction and life sentence without parole after proving the defendant shot and killed the victim in August 2018. The jury found two aggravating factors: lying in wait and being on parole at the time of the murder. On February 25, 2026, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and LWOP sentence on direct appeal.
Murder of a Sixteen-Year-Old Girl from Cambridge City
Prosecuted Leonard Dickey, a registered sex offender, for the murder of a sixteen-year-old girl from Cambridge City. Dickey strangled the teenager. Secured a conviction and a sentence of life without the possibility of parole.
Murder of a Viable Fetus, Attempted Murder & Burglary
Prosecuted the defendant for breaking into his pregnant ex-girlfriend's home and stabbing her 27 times, killing their viable unborn child. The jury found Bishop guilty but mentally ill on all counts, and the court imposed an aggregate sentence of 101 years.
Murder: Fatal Stabbing
After a first trial ended in a hung jury, successfully retried and convicted the defendant of murder in the fatal stabbing of the victim. Secured a 62-year prison sentence.
Murder: Fatal Shooting of Father
Prosecuted a 16 year old juvenile defendant charged as an adult for the fatal shooting of his father in Centerville. Secured a conviction and 55-year sentence including a firearm enhancement.
The prosecution must prove its case, and it is my job to hold them to that burden. I examine every piece of evidence, challenge every assumption, and fight to protect my clients' constitutional rights.
Good police officers make mistakes during investigations. Those mistakes include lack of follow up with witnesses, failure to obtain corroborating evidence, and not properly testing potential evidence prior to trial. It is my job to hold the police accountable for these mistakes so that a jury can evaluate whether sufficient evidence exists to support a conviction. Learn more about how investigative errors can affect a case.
I also believe in transparency with my clients. From the initial consultation through the resolution of your case, you will have a clear understanding of the strategy, the process, and the realistic range of outcomes. No false promises, just honest, dedicated representation.
My work as Wayne County Prosecutor has been featured in major Indiana media outlets.
"Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman filed the request to seek the death penalty against Phillip Matthew Lee, charged with murder in the death of Richmond Police Department Officer Seara Burton."
Read Full Article →"James Beau Burkhart was convicted and sentenced to 55 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his father in Centerville. The case was prosecuted by Wayne County Prosecutor Mike Shipman's office."
Read Full Article →"Prosecuting Attorney Michael Shipman argued Via's state of mind was one in which he purposefully killed the 38-year-old Mosier with a single gunshot to the head. The jury deliberated fewer than three hours before returning a guilty verdict."
Read Full Article →"After more than 30 years of dedicated service to Wayne County, Prosecutor Mike Shipman announced he would not seek re-election, transitioning his decades of courtroom experience to criminal defense."
Read Full Article →