Carnahan: No Plea Has Been or Will Be Offered

While a change of plea hearing has been scheduled for October 31st in the Dylan Smith murder case, Knox County Prosecutor, Dirk Carnahan, tells Illiana News that no plea has been or will be offered.

Smith is accused of the murder of 30-year-old Taylor Hendershot on August 5th in the parking lot of Cardinal Liquor Store. Smith is currently behind held without bond in the Knox County Jail.

“Defendants always ask for some benefit” said Carnahan. “That doesn’t mean both sides are working towards anything”.

The trial that was originally scheduled for November 4th has been vacated. The new jury trial date is April 21st of 2026 with a final pretrial conference set for March 27th at 2:45 PM.