An Indiana man, Robert Vanatta, 30, will spend the next 20 years in prison after a terrifying domestic violence incident in which he forced his family into his truck at gunpoint and threatened to kill them. Vanatta was also sentenced to two years of probation following his release.
Convictions and Charges
Vanatta was convicted of 14 felony charges, including three counts of criminal confinement, four counts of intimidation, three counts of criminal recklessness, and one count each of strangulation, domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16, and neglect of a dependent.
The Johnson County Prosecuting Attorney, Lance Hamner, said the case began on March 22, 2025, when Vanatta’s wife, their five-year-old daughter, and her two teenage sons fled their home in Marion County to escape his violent behavior.
The Hotel Confrontation
The family went to a Candlewood Suites hotel in Greenwood, Indiana. Vanatta’s wife informed the hotel clerk of the situation, asking that he not reveal their presence. About 20 minutes later, Vanatta arrived at the hotel, but the clerk refused to tell him if the family was there. Believing it was safe, the family left the hotel, driving away under the supervision of the 17-year-old son.
Vanatta followed them in his truck, slammed into their vehicle, and ran it off the road. He then approached his teenage stepson and physically attacked him. The boy told police that Vanatta forced the entire family out of the car at gunpoint and ordered them into his truck.
Inside the Truck
Once inside, Vanatta struck his wife in the face, causing her head to hit the window, and threatened the family, saying, “I’ve got something for you when we get home.” One of the teenagers began recording him on a phone, capturing Vanatta’s threats, including, “I’m going to shoot every one of you.”
Fearing for their lives, the older teen fought back with a box cutter. At some point, the wife managed to grab Vanatta’s gun and fired several warning shots, which caused him to stop and pull over, allowing the family to escape. They ran back to the hotel and contacted the police.
Aftermath and Sentencing
When arrested, Vanatta told police that he had “blacked out” during the altercation with his stepson. He was found guilty of all 14 charges following a trial that concluded on March 27, 2026. During the sentencing hearing, Johnson County Circuit Court Judge Roesener praised the teenage boys for their bravery, saying their actions likely saved the lives of the entire family.
