Ind. man sentenced for killing neighbor because he believed he was 'hacking into his network'

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. (TCD) -- A 30-year-old man will spend seven decades in prison for "brutally executing" his neighbor last year over his electrical issues.

According to the Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, on Monday, Oct. 16, a judge sentenced Cy Alley to 60 years in prison for the murder of 59-year-old Gary Copley. Alley was given an additional 10 years for use of a firearm during the commission of the murder. A jury convicted Alley on Sept. 15 after deliberating for around 20 minutes.

According to the affidavit posted by the Attorney’s Office, on Aug. 23, 2022, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home at 12361 E. 500 N Road to a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, deputies found Copley lying up against his house deceased with multiple gunshot wounds.

The Sheriff’s Office recovered a spent 12-gauge shotgun shell at the scene.

A witness told deputies they were on a walk when they saw Alley shoot the victim multiple times, enter a black Ford F-250, and drive off. Another witness reportedly went to check on Copley and found him dead.

According to the affidavit, deputies located Alley at 9119 N CR 900 E., and the SWAT Team apprehended him without incident. Officials found a similar unspent shotgun shell in Alley’s pocket that matched the spent one found at the scene.

Alley reportedly said he was "having trouble with his electricity at his house," and he believed Copley was "hacking into his network."

When Alley went to confront Copley about his electricity issues, the Attorney’s Office said Alley shot the victim four times with the "intent to kill him." He reportedly told authorities the gun he used was in his black Ford F-250, which was later recovered.

The Attorney’s Office noted that Alley was "not remorseful for his actions."

During the trial, evidence was presented indicating that Alley shot Copley two times, reloaded his weapon, and then shot him two more times. According to the Attorney’s Office, Alley "asserted the defenses of insanity and self-defense."

During his sentencing, the Attorney’s Office said the court "noted the sheer brutality of Alley’s acts" and that it was "much like a predator chasing his prey."

MORE:

• Albany Man of Brutally Slaying His Neighbor Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison - Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney's Office