Indiana Man, 20, Convicted in Amanda Bach Murder

20-year-old Dustin McCowan found guilty in September 2011 murder

A northern Indiana jury has convicted a man in his ex-girlfriend's fatal shooting following a nearly month-long trial.

The Porter County jury found 20-year-old Dustin McCowan of Wheeler guilty of murder late Tuesday night in the September 2011 killing of 19-year-old Amanda Bach.

Friends of the slain woman shouted "Remember Amanda" outside the courtroom following the verdict, while McCowan closed his eyes and sat down after the verdict was read. A judge set McCowan's sentencing for March 28.

Bach's mother, Sandy Bach, said she and her husband were pleased that the verdict provided justice for their daughter.

"Amanda did not not deserve to die at the hands of this sick, jealous coward," said Bach. "She had so much more to share and give of her life."

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Matt Frost tells The Times of Munster he's gratified by the verdict.

Bach's body was found about 300 yards from McCowan's home.

While there's been a verdict in the case, investigators said their probe isn't over. Detectives vowed to continue to look into behavior of McCowan's father, a Crown Point police officer, who refused to let authorities search his property.

"This is not going to end. We've focused on a lot of stuff and there's still more information that we're going to focus on with this case," said Detective Cmdr. Jeff Biggs.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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