An Indiana man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for holding his family at gunpoint and threatening to kill them.
Conviction and Sentence
Robert Vanatta, 30, was convicted on 14 felony charges, including:
- Three counts of criminal confinement
- Four counts of intimidation
- Three counts of criminal recklessness
- One count each of strangulation, domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16, and neglect of a dependent
He received 20 years in prison plus two years’ probation.
Incident Details
The domestic violence incident occurred on March 22, 2025, in Marion County and Greenwood, Indiana. Vanatta’s wife, 5-year-old daughter, and two teenage sons fled their home to escape him and checked into a Candlewood Suites hotel. Vanatta tracked them down, forcing the family into his truck at gunpoint.
While in the truck, Vanatta punched his wife, threatened the family, and stated, “I’ve got something for you when we get home,” prompting one of the boys to stab him with a box cutter. The wife fired three or four warning shots to stop the attack. The family escaped after Vanatta pulled over.
Trial and Family Statement
Vanatta claimed he “blacked out” during the argument, but a jury found him guilty of all charges following a trial that concluded on March 27, 2026.
Johnson County Circuit Court Judge Roesener praised the teenage boys for their bravery, noting their actions likely saved the family’s lives.
