April 1, 2020

Boy, 8, Dies After Shots Fired Into House In Indianapolis

stock photo

stock photo

NDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An 8-year-old Indianapolis boy died overnight after he was struck by stray gunfire when shots were fired into a house, police said Wednesday.

The boy was shot shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday and pronounced dead at Riley Hospital for Children. The Marion County coroner's office identified the child as Rodgerick Payne Jr.

Maj. Harold S. Turner of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said "numerous" shots were fired into the house from the street on the city's northeast side.

No one else was injured and Turner said he didn't know if someone inside the home was the intended target.

Police spokeswoman Officer Genae Cook said investigators “don't believe this child was a target at all."

Turner said investigators are seeking witnesses who may have heard something, such as a car speeding away, fighting or the gunfire.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Indiana bill to punish people sleeping outside fails, but language could come back
Safe Park Indy looks to add a second Indianapolis location as waitlist grows
Advocates warn election results could lead to more limits on reproductive rights