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Ex-Principal Sentenced for Wife's Hammer Murder
24 Jul
Summary
- Former principal Terry Ogle received 15 years for voluntary manslaughter.
- He claimed he killed his wife amid suspicion of an affair.
- Ogle previously served as principal at Forest Manor Middle School.
Terry Ogle, a 79-year-old former middle school principal, was sentenced on July 17, 2026, to 15 years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of his wife, Mary Ogle. A Marion County judge convicted Ogle after a bench trial, determining he acted under "sudden heat" when he bludgeoned his 76-year-old wife to death with a hammer on January 17, 2025.
Ogle called 911 to report the incident, stating he "lost it" due to suspicions of his wife having an affair. When officers arrived at their Indianapolis home, they discovered Mary Ogle with blunt force trauma to the head. Evidence found at the scene included hammers, knives, and bloodstains. Terry Ogle received treatment for self-inflicted wrist injuries following the incident.
The couple, both retired educators, had dedicated their careers to the school system. Terry had served as principal of Forest Manor Middle School, and Mary was a teacher. Ogle had also texted their daughter to inform her of the killing and his impending arrest.
