Guilty Conviction Secured in Murder of Donald Lee Bowers

Radio Mom received a press release from the Boone County Prosecutor office in regard to the guilty plea accepted by Jacob Cram.

Boone County Prosecutor Kent Eastwood announced that on Friday afternoon, August 21, 2026, Jacob Andrew Cram, 37, pled guilty to the murder of Donald Lee Bowers. The murder occurred on September 10, 2025, in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Cram admitted his guilt in the murder, and in exchange, the State agreed to dismiss the Habitual Offender Enhancement.

Sentencing has been scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. before Boone Superior Court I Judge Matthew Kincaid. At the sentencing hearing, Cram faces the statutory sentencing range for murder of 45 to 65 years in the Indiana Department of Correction. Under Indiana law, an individual convicted of murder must serve at least 75% of the imposed sentence before becoming eligible for release.

At the sentencing hearing, the Boone County Prosecutor's Office plans to present evidence regarding the nature and circumstances of the offense, the impact of the crime, and the aggravating factors the Court may consider in determining an appropriate sentence. The State is prepared to seek the maximum sentence authorized by law and will advocate for a sentence that reflects the severity of this crime.

Prior to presenting the plea agreement to the Court, the Boone County Prosecutor's Office consulted with Mr. Bowers' family regarding the proposed plea agreement. The family agreed with the resolution.

While the State was fully prepared to proceed to trial, the Boone County Prosecutor's Office considered a number of factors in reaching the plea agreement, including securing a guaranteed conviction, avoiding the uncertainties associated with trial, reducing the likelihood of lengthy appellate litigation, and providing the victim's family with certainty and closure within the criminal justice system.

"This guilty plea ensures that Jacob Andrew Cram is held accountable for the murder of Donald Lee Bowers while eliminating the uncertainty associated with a trial and potential future appeals," Prosecutor Kent Eastwood said. "At the same time, the agreement preserves the State's ability to seek the maximum sentence authorized by law. Our office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families, and we appreciate the input and cooperation of Mr. Bowers' family throughout this process."

With this matter still pending before the Court, there will be no further comment from this office until after the sentencing hearing.