A person convicted of killing an 11-month-old in Indiana has been released nearly 30 years early, while local prosecutors received no official notification.
The suspect, Autumn Cordellioné—formerly known as Jonathan Richardson—was sentenced to 55 years in prison in 2002 following the death of baby Faith Lee. Records show the individual was released on parole in late 2025 after serving less than half of the sentence, a case causing a stir similar to the inmate sentenced to hundreds of years considered for release in California.
Information about the release was only discovered when a resident recognized the individual and reported it to authorities. The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed they received no prior notice from the Indiana Department of Correction, raising concerns about risks when previously released suspects may go on to commit serious offenses.
Reports indicate that after returning to the community in Evansville, the individual appeared on online platforms, sparking public debate.
The original case occurred in 2001 when the victim was strangled at home. In 2002, the court convicted the individual of reckless homicide, a sentence as controversial as the early release of a child predator that faced fierce opposition from the victim's family.
During the sentence, the individual filed several lawsuits regarding detention conditions, including suing President Trump and prison administrators.
This development occurs as Indiana recently enacted a new law requiring the Indiana Department of Correction to notify prosecutors, sheriffs, and local police at least one week before releasing a violent offender.
The case raises questions about the coordination between state and local agencies in managing dangerous inmates after their release.
