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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer, and Nancy Grossman, Publisher
Dejaune Anderson, the mother of five-year-old Cairo Ammar Jordon, whose body was found in a suitcase outside of Pekin Apr. 16, 2022, was arraigned in Washington County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Apr. 2. She was charged with three felony charges—murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and obstruction of justice.
Representing the State of Indiana were Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Campbell. Presiding was Washington County Circuit Court Judge Larry W. Medlock.
Anderson was brought in wearing the typical jail attire of an orange jump suit and shackles. She was read her rights and asked if she had a clear understanding of the charges and possible punishment for her crime. Anderson indicated that she fully understood.
When asked if she was being represented by an attorney, Anderson replied that she intended to represent herself and that she felt she was capable of doing so because she had a masters degree in History.
Judge Medlock informed her that having no law degree, she had to meet certain requirements in order to represent herself: that she conduct herself as a lawyer, abide by the rules of evidence and abide by the rules of procedure.
Anderson insisted that she was capable of representing herself and insisted it was necessary for her to do so because of the nature of her case. She also mentioned that there are things about the evidence of the case “which is q classified, which should be turned over to the Judge Advocate General courts immediately.” She added that her case involves other cases that are open currently with the Judge Advocate General courts, as well as federal investigations that are open.
Judge Medlock replied, “If the Judge Advocate General approaches us, we’ll address it at that point in time.” He asked Anderson if she would like stand-by counsel to be assigned, but she refused the offer. The judge stated that she would have to submit a written request for consideration in allowing her to represent herself in court.
Judge Medlock set a pre-trial conference at 9 a.m. Apr. 25; a trial date of August 6 at 8:30 a.m.; and an omnibus date of June 15.
When the topic of setting a bond was brought up, Prosecutor Hunt asked the court to consider the gravity of the case, the probable cause affidavit the state filed in support of the three charges, and the fact that it took two years to locate the fugitive since her identification was made. In light of these factors, the prosecutor recommended that bond should be set at a high amount that would be difficult, if not impossible, for her to afford.
At that point, Anderson made an objection, claiming that she was not a fugitive and that she had been under NSA surveillance for eight months. She added that “a detail from Space Force” had been following her every move.
Judge Medlock informed Anderson that she did not offer a “valid legal objection.” Anderson responded that she had contacted an Indiana Marshall with her location.
Judge Medlock responded that Detective Matt Busick had contacted the agencies she had mentioned, and none of them could confirm knowledge of her location.
The judge decided that no bond would be set and remanded Anderson to the custody of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. “If Space Force comes forward and tells me that they’re willing to monitor you, we’ll take up the issue of bond at a later date,” said Medlock.
“Based on what I’ve just heard, I’m going to ask someone from the public defender’s office to be assigned to represent Miss Anderson,” he added.
A press conference was conducted following the arraignment. Those making comments were Prosecutor Hunt and Det. Busick and Sgt. Cary Huls, both with the Sellersburg Post 45 of the Indiana State Police.
Prosecutor Hunt commended the local community stepping up and taking ownership concerning the death of Jordan. Because of the support of the community, the child’s body was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, marked with a headstone.
State police investigation led to the the identities of two suspects, Anderson and Dawn Coleman, by discovering matches of fingerprints found on trash bags inside the suitcase containing Jordan’s body. The evidence led to the arrest of Anderson by United States Marshalls last month in Arcadia, California. Det. Busick flew to California to interrogate Anderson.
Sgt. Huls stated that Anderson was escorted by U.S. Marshalls, accompanied by Indiana State Troopers, back to Washington County. She was delivered into local custody early Sunday morning.
Coleman was arrested in November 2023. She was tried for her connection to Jordan’s death and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with five years suspended for probation.
If convicted, Anderson could face a sentencing of 45 to 65 years for the murder charge, 20 to 40 years for the charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and two-and-a half years for the charge of obstruction of justice.
Staff Photos by Jerry Curry