Noted Indianapolis attorney John Kautzman dies at age 66

INDIANAPOLIS — Noted Indianapolis attorney John F. Kautzman died at the age of 66 on Monday.

In a statement sent to FOX59/CBS4, Rick Snyder — President of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police — indicated that Kautzman died after a lengthy medical battle.

“It’s with great sorrow that we share that John Kautzman died this afternoon,” Snyder wrote. “John’s medical battle is now over, and he is in the arms of our Father, through his faith in Christ Jesus. Please join us in praying for his wife Kit and their entire family as they now grieve his passing on. This is a tremendous loss to our Family of the Fraternal Order of Police in Indianapolis, Indiana, and across America.

“We lift up the RuckLaw team as they take these next steps in this journey. Before his passing, John made clear he wanted people to know he placed his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he bled blue for our officers and their families, and wanted them to know how much he loves us all. We collectively reflect on how lucky we were to witness this amazing defender of police.”

Kautzman represented police officers in numerous high-profile cases during his career. He was even involved in cases as recently as 2024, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Kautzman worked for Ruckelshaus, Kautzman, Blackwell, Bemis and Duncan, LLP. The legal firm was first founded in 1895.

Kautzman’s profile on the law firm’s website indicates he served as lead counsel in more than 100 state and federal jury trials, including Indiana’s first televised federal trial.

Kautzman’s profile also shows that he was a lifelong Indianapolis resident. He attended North Central High School before graduating from Indiana University and the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1981 and 1984, respectively.

Kautzman was elected President of the Indianapolis Bar Association in 2005. He had also served as President of the Metropolitan Bar Caucus and a member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents.

Kautzman was affiliated with the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. During his career, Kautzman had also served as President of the Indiana University Foundation Board of Associates and Chair of the McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors.

Kautzman was admitted to practice in all Indiana state and federal courts. He frequently appeared on the Indiana Super Lawyers list during his career. The super lawyers list recognizes the top 5% of attorneys in Indiana.

Kautzman was elected as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Kautzman’s profile indicates the honor is only bestowed upon the top 1% of lawyers in any single state.

“John Kautzman was a friend, trusted counsel, and steadfast supporter of law enforcement,” IMPD Chief Chris Bailey wrote in a statement posted on X. “His integrity and commitment to those who serve made a lasting impact on IMPD and our city. On behalf of IMPD, I ask that you keep John’s family and friends in your prayers. He will be missed.”