A farmer from Boone County, Indiana, who is accused of murdering his wife won a Republican primary election this week.
Andrew Wilhoite was arrested in March on charges of killing Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite, who according to local news reports, had recently finished chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Wilhoite reportedly told investigators he hit her with a flower pot during a fight.
On Tuesday, Andrew Wilhoite, from jail, secured a spot on the ballot in November’s general election for the Clinton Township Board. Three Republicans were running for three primary seats. Wilhoite received 60 votes.
Indiana State Police charged Wilhoite with murder after the body of his wife was found in a creek near their home, Boone County Sheriff’s Office said in March. She had reportedly filed for divorce after discovering her husband had an affair.
His trial is slated to begin in August, per WTHR.
Despite his legal troubles, “there is no legal reason” Wilhoite can’t be a candidate, Indiana election official Brad King told the Kokomo Tribune.
“Under our system you are innocent until you are proven guilty,” King said. “If a person is convicted of a felony, then they are no longer eligible to be a candidate and are ineligible to hold office.”