Docs: Indianapolis man charged after December 2024 fatal overdose

INDIANAPOLIS — A 29-year-old Indianapolis man has been arrested in Marion County after a reported deadly overdose investigation on the south side by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

According to court documents, Shane Johns has been officially charged with:

• One count of dealing in a controlled substance resulting in death, a Level 1 felony
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• One count of dealing in a narcotic drug
• One count of obstruction of justice, a Level 6 felony

On Dec. 21, 2024, officers with IMPD’s southeast district responded to the 700 block of E. Thompson Rd. on a report of a person down. When they arrived, they found an unresponsive man, identified in court documents as Phillip Mulinaro, in a parked vehicle. Mulinaro was pronounced dead at the scene.

During an investigation into the incident, IMPD detectives located “signs of drug use” as well as other evidence at the scene that led detectives to believe that this was a deadly overdose.

According to video footage obtained from the scene, detectives learned that Mulinaro had come to the location to purchase drugs before his death. Through social media records, along with cell phone and vehicle records, detectives identified Johns as the suspect who reportedly supplied Mulinaro the drugs that led to his death.

Last month, detectives reportedly saw Johns getting into a vehicle in the 4400 block of Southport Crossing Drive. IMPD officials said that a traffic stop on the vehicle was attempted, but Johns reportedly refused to stop, beginning a short vehicle pursuit.

At the end of the pursuit, Johns was taken into custody. After a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, the following items were reportedly found:

• Around 77 grams of fentanyl
• Around $30,000 in cash
• Evidence of narcotics dealing, including digital scales and plastic bags
• A loaded handgun magazine.

IMPD officials said a firearm was reportedly found nearby, in the path where the pursuit occurred. The firearm was reportedly tossed from the car during the chase.

In an interview, Johns reportedly admitted to fleeing from police in the chase. He also reportedly told police that he knew that the substance in the trunk was fentanyl. In further interviews, it was found that Johns reportedly supplied the drugs caused the death of Mulinaro.

Court documents state that Johns will be placed on a no-bond hold until his initial hearing, which has not been scheduled as of this story’s publication. Johns’ bond is expected to be $40,000 cash.