NEWS 25 - WEHT: Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro-Family Defends Accused Rockport Man

Family Defends Accused Rockport Man

story by Jennifer Cahill

SPENCER CO., IN - NEWS 25 meets with the family of a Rockport man facing murder charges in the death of his step-daughter.

As Indiana State Police continue their investigation into the death of 15-year-old Alexis Oesterle, the accused's family talks to NEWS 25, casting doubt police have the right person behind bars.

Since Wednesday's arrest, police investigators continue to say a person is innocent until proven guilty, and that's what Ryan Shelby's family hopes to reinforce through their interview with NEWS 25.

Joyce Shelby holds up one of her favorite pictures of her son and daughter in much happier times.

It stands in stark contrast with the image of Ryan Shelby Thursday, being led out of the Spencer County Courthouse.

"In my heart, I just know he shouldn't be there," says Joyce Shelby, Ryan's mother.

The arrest and murder accusations against 32-year-old Shelby are heart breaking for his family.

"Ryan's not like that. He's just not. Ryan wouldn't hurt anybody. I think there's more to this story," says his mother. 

The phone rang off the hook at their home Thursday night: old teachers, girlfriends, friends... and even the family's pastor, all calling in Shelby's defense.

"We stand behind Ryan 100 percent. He's a very good person. We love him very much and we appreciate all the support. We back him all the way," says Shelby's sister, Brandi Kemp.

Since the arrest, allegations against Shelby have swirled: fear, abuse, a troubled family life. Even allegations he once took his 10-month old daughter from wife, Jessica.

"People can make allegations, but it doesn't make anything true," Kemp says.

Mom Joyce and sister Brandi say Shelby has a flawless criminal record, bearing nothing but a single speeding ticket. They say he worked at Toyota and he's a wonderful father to his daughter.

"Nothing bothered him and I used to get aggravated with him and say you can be mad sometimes, you can do things. He's just easy going," Joyce says of her son.

The family believes there's more to the story.

"I just feel like there's something we don't know yet," she says.

"I'm sad for everyone involved. I hope the facts come to light so justice is done," adds Kemp. 

During a custody hearing Thursday morning over Ryan and Jessica Shelby's 10-month old daughter, a judge granted Brandi Kemp custody, allowing the baby's mother, Jessica, only two supervised visits a week.

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