Jennifer Prinz Harrison, who has been criticized for being “too lenient,” has stepped down from her role for reasons that have not been disclosed. Published on October 15, 2025, and updated 30 minutes ago, this development comes amidst the ongoing stabbing case involving former NFL quarterback and sports analyst Mark Sanchez.
The judge originally assigned to the case has recused herself, as reported by the IndyStar. Harrison signed an order of transfer on Tuesday, but the court documents do not specify the reasons for her departure. She has faced backlash in the past for her sentencing decisions, including a notable incident in 2023 when former Indiana State Police superintendent Joe Carter condemned her for releasing Luis Leyba-Gonzalez, who was charged with killing three individuals during a high-speed chase. Leyba-Gonzalez ultimately pleaded guilty to nine counts and received a two-year prison sentence along with seven years of home detention from Harrison earlier this month.
Harrison also oversaw the case of 16-year-old Caden Smith, accused of killing three people. She ruled that the search warrant and SWAT raid used to apprehend Smith were potentially unconstitutional, leading to the suppression of key evidence, including the murder weapon. Smith was released on a $1,000 bond and was later arrested for marijuana dealing. In August 2024, Harrison sentenced him to 189 years in prison for the triple homicide.
Marion County Judge James Osborn has now taken over the case and has rescheduled Sanchez’s first pretrial conference from November 5 to October 22, with a second hearing set for early December. Sanchez’s jury trial is scheduled to commence on December 11, and he will be allowed to attend remotely.