GOSHEN — The man accused of killing Ken Patel at the old Goshen Inn last year now faces an additional 30 years in prison, he learned in court Thursday.

John T. Hawley, 54, now faces an allegation he’s a habitual criminal in addition to charges of murder. Murder carries up to 65 years in prison, and now he faxes a maximum of 95 years.

Hawley had little to say at his court hearing today, answering questions only with “Yes.”

He’s accused of killing Patel Oct. 20 while he tried to rob Patel. Though he’s charged with murder and with murder while committing a felony, if a jury finds him guilty of both counts he could be convicted only on one.

The homicide happened at the old inn on Lincolnway East, which Patel controlled and was working to renovate. Hawley worked for Patel, according to authorities.

An autopsy showed Patel died of multiple blunt-force injuries to his head.

Kokomo police arrested Hawley there on suspicion of Patel’s murder, and he was brought back to Elkhart County to face trial.

That trial is scheduled for March 19 in Elkhart Circuit Court. His attorney, Cliff Williams, the chief public defender, and Vicki Becker, chief deputy prosecutor, continue to negotiate on the case. If they reach a plea deal, they’ll ask for a court hearing before the trial, they indicated to Judge Terry Shewmaker.

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