On February 24th, the Hamilton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed six counts against 40-year-old Christopher Brian Claerbout of Carmel following an investigation by the Carmel Police Department. Officers arrested Claerbout on February 22, 2022. Claerbout is being held at the Hamilton County Jail.
The charges are pending in Hamilton Superior Court No. 2 under cause number 29D02-2202-MR-001161. The State filed the following counts:
Count 1: Murder, a Felony
Count 2: Criminal Confinement, a Level 3 Felony
Count 3: Criminal Confinement, a Level 3 Felony
Count 4: Domestic Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 5 Felony
Count 5: Intimidation, a Level 5 Felony
Count 6: Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony
Count 7: Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor
Count 8: Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor
Claerbout will have his initial hearing on February 24th at 11:30 a.m. in Courtroom 7 of the Hamilton County Judicial Center and will likely appear via video from the Hamilton County Jail.
Prosecuting Attorney D. Lee Buckingham II appreciates its partnership with the Carmel Police Department and the hard, dedicated work of the dozens of officers involved in this investigation. The investigation is being led by Detective Christopher Bay, who was recognized with an award for Officer of the Year for 2021 during a presentation held on February 15th (more information may be found at https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=1637). Prosecutor Buckingham also recognizes the considerable assistance provided to the investigation by members of the Fishers Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Clark County (Ind.) Sheriff's Office.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Further inquiries about the litigation may be directed to Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Andre Miksha.
Copies of the public records are available from the Hamilton County Clerk's Office, which is the keeper of those public records (recommended contact: Candi Waitt at 317-776-8549 or candi.waitt@hamiltoncounty.in.gov).
