Meredith Opel
Meredith Opel
Photo of Meredith Opel with her sister Mallory Jackson
Meredith Opel was a University of Southern Indiana student originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. She was known by friends and family as a caring, beautiful, joyful, and genuine person. On November 24, 2017 Meredith and her sister Mallory Jackson were killed in a murder suicide. Mallory's husband Darrel Jackson is believed to be the suspect.
Early Life
Meredith Opel grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the sister of Mallory Jackson and Morgan Opel. The girls father, Doug Opel, was a former Assistant Football Coach and Athletic Director at Roncalli High School (Indiana), which the girls attended. [1]
Personal Life
Meredith Opel was passionate about working with nonprofits. Her hobbies included travelling, attending concerts, hiking, and running with friends. Meredith was a practicing Christian and believed in the power of faith. [1]
Education
Meredith Opel was a senior majoring in Sociology at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Indiana. Opel was a 2015 and 2016 Top Merit Scholar according to university records.
Death
On November 26, 2017 Meredith Opel and her sister Mallory Jackson were killed in a murder suicide allegedly committed by Mallory's husband, Darrell Jackson.
Police were called out to a home in the 4500-block of Stone Mill Drive in Indianapolis, Indiana around 5:30 p.m. where they found the bodies of Meredith Opel and her sister Mallory Jackson. Metro police have not released the killer's name, however Fox 59 News reported that sources have confirmed that Mallory's husband, Darrel Jackson, is believed to be the suspected killer.
Police say whoever killed the two women left their [the killer's] car in the home's backyard, then fled the state to Arkansas and committed suicide.
Officers in Jonesboro, Arkansas confirmed they are investigating the suicide of a man named Darrel Jackson.
“We’re utilizing every asset that we can to kind of understand exactly what happened,” said IMPD Sgt. Chris Wilburn.
IMPD has said they believe this to be an isolated incident, with no risk to the public.
It’s a small bit of comfort to a neighborhood left shaken.
“That’s exactly what was going through my head," said neighbor David Johnson, "kind of a weird thing, no doubt.”