BREAKING — An indictment is handed down in the 2006 murders of Blake and Chynna Dickus. A grand jury returned an indictment today against 35-year-old Michael Jerome James for two counts of murder. James would have been a teen at the time of the crime. The case remains under seal, so a lot of the details about the evidence linking James and the break in the case are not yet known. 10-year-old Blake Dickus and his 26-year-old stepmother, Chynna Dickus, were found murdered on July 24, 2006, inside their home in Franklin. The case has sat unsolved ever since. Police Chief Kirby Cochran released the following statement: "For 20 years, Blake and Chynna’s families have carried the weight of an unimaginable loss waiting for this day. On behalf of the Franklin Police Department, I want them to know that we have never forgotten their loved ones and we have never stopped seeking justice. Today’s development is an important moment, not only for our department, but most importantly for the families and Blake and Chynna whose lives were taken from them. Our detectives and investigations division never gave up and refused to let the case grow cold. Their sustained effort produced this significant development, bringing a measure of resolution for the victims, their families, and our community. This indictment represents the culmination of 20 years of persistent and professional investigative work. Detectives reviewed evidence, pursued new leads, leveraged advances in forensic science, and remained committed to Blake, Chynna, and their families every step of the way. Today’s action by the grand jury is a true testament to that dedication and to our promise that we will never stop seeking justice. I extend the department’s deep appreciation to every officer, detective, and law enforcement agency who contributed to this investigation over the years, as well as to the expert witnesses whose specialized knowledge and testimony were essential in moving the case forward. An overwhelming thank you is directed to Captain Jeff Dawe for his tireless work and unwavering commitment on this case. Captain Dawe’s leadership, persistence, and dedication were instrumental in bringing this matter to indictment. I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the Prosecutor’s Office for believing in our agency, our staff, and our dedication to this case. We truly appreciate their support and strong partnership with the Franklin Police Department. Their collaboration and shared commitment to justice were vital for reaching this point." Statement from Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner: “This tragic crime occurred during my first tenure as Johnson County Prosecutor in 2006, and the tragedy has remained with me ever since,” said Johnson County Prosecutor Lance D. Hamner. “In fact, a primary driving force behind my decision to leave the bench as judge and run for prosecutor once again was to seek justice in this case. This was something I could not talk about at the time. We deeply appreciate the time, dedication, and meticulous attention the members of the grand jury devoted to these proceedings. After 20 years, this indictment represents a critical step forward in our continuing effort to seek justice for Chynna and Blake. We also appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Franklin Police Department. They never give up.” More as we get it.