Murder of Daniel Gene Lutz

On June 22, 1976, 28-year-old Daniel Lutz would be working at his store, Lutz Sporting Goods and Grocery Store, on State Road 44, approximately 4.5 miles west of Liberty, Indiana. At 12:50 a woman would go into the store to buy cigarettes and would find Daniel lying behind the counter bleeding. She would go to the restaurant next door for help. Daniel was still alive but would die shortly after arriving at the hospital.

It was apparent that he had been shot shortly before he was found. The register was opened and all of the paper cash was taken. The person only got away with $30 to $50. 

Daniel had bought and opened the store just the week before he was killed. It's unknown why someone would target a store that had just opened. 

SOURCES:

Indiana State Police

Uncovered

Find a Grave

The Reporter-Times June 23, 1976

Palladium-Item June 24, 1976

Palladium-Item August 5, 1976