By John Estridge
On Thursday, July 9, Shawn M. McClung was charged with the March 28, 1986 killing of Fayette County resident Denise Pflum.
He is being charged with Manslaughter, as a Class B Felony.
According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, McClung previously told police he assisted Pflum in leaving the state in 1986, and she was still alive and living in another state. He also allegedly told police in the past, that he had communicated with her subsequent to 1986. However, in July 2020, police said McClung admitted to killing Pflum.
“This action taken by McClung has concealed the crime since its commission,” the Affidavit for Probable Cause reads.
In the Information, it states “On or about March 28, 1986, in Fayette County, State of Indiana, Shawn McClung did knowingly kill another human being, to-wit: Denise Pflum while acting under a sudden heat and did knowingly or intentionally conceal evidence and/or information, to wit: maintained that Denise Plum was alive and that he had communicated with her subsequent to 1986 …”
The charge is from Indiana Code 35-42-1-3(a) which states “A person who knowingly or intentionally kills another human being … The existence of sudden heat is a mitigating factor that reduces what otherwise would be murder under section 1(1) of this chapter to voluntary manslaughter.”
According to information on mycase.in.gov, McClung is being represented by Brookville attorney Jud McMillin. The case will be heard by former Franklin County resident, Hubert Branstetter, Fayette Circuit Court judge.
During an initial hearing held Thursday, July 9, bond was set at $500,000 surety or 10 percent to the clerk. McClung pleaded not guilty at the hearing. An Omnibus hearing will be held on Sept. 11. A jury trial has been set for Oct. 9.
If convicted of a Class B Felony, McClung could receive a sentence of six to 20 years in prison.
In the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department press release issued by Fayette County Sheriff Joey Laughlin and Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective Chad Blaes, it stated “No further comments will be made at this time, as the investigation is ongoing regarding the involvement of other parties.”
That seemed to be also a part of a statement reportedly put out by Plfum’s parents on the Facebook page Justice for Denise Pflum.
“With the announcement today that charges have been filed against Shawn McClung for the murder of our daughter, Denise Pflum, we want to make a brief statement for all of those that have followed her page. This is just a start, there will be more to follow, which we cannot comment on at this point.
We appreciate all of the love and support that you have shown us. We appreciate that Denise has become like family to all of you. Our daughter was a special person whom we will never forget, and we know that this community will not forget. We are so grateful for all of those who have followed her story, who have helped with the investigation, and who have shown support and love.
“At this time we ask that you respect our privacy, and allow us the time we need to mourn and grieve our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend. Denise was a wonderful young woman, her light is never gone. Her love will always remain with us, and with all of you. Thank you for all of your help. We love and appreciate every one of you.”