IMPD investigates 2 homicides within 2 months at same north side apartment complex

INDIANAPOLIS — For the second time in less than two months, police were called to investigate a deadly shooting at the same apartment complex on Indy’s north side.

In both cases, the suspected shooters were detained and questioned only to be released without charges.

Just after 6:30 p.m. Monday, at The Hub at Nora apartment complex near 91st and College, 25-year-old Travon Davis was shot to death. Police reports show Davis and his killer were involved a domestic incident at the same building last month and the female suspect was not arrested for the deadly shooting.

“It’s very unfortunate and I feel for that person’s family,” said Laynie Dunkerson.

Laynie Dunkerson doesn’t know the Davis family, but she understands the pain and frustration they likely feel.

In early March, her son was shot to death inside his own apartment in the same complex.

“I have so many questions. I have a deep sense of loss and grief,” said Dunkerson.

Laynie’s son, Griffin Russo, was only 18 when he died. He graduated a semester early from Carmel High School. Russo did not have a criminal history and planned to enroll to become a Marine.

Since his death, Laynie has kept a small memorial on the fence outside his apartment, including a basket for Easter.

“He was a good boy. He didn’t live a bad life. He went to work every day. He did not deserve to be shot in his own home with a shotgun. He was unarmed,” said Dunkerson.

Still, prosecutors ruled Griffin’s death last month was a result of self-defense during a domestic-related fight and the case has been cleared as a non-criminal justifiable homicide, despite his mother’s objection.

“My son walked into his own bedroom and was met with a shotgun to the chest. How is that justified?” said Dunkerson.

Dunkerson believes there were multiple witnesses to her son’s death that were not interviewed by police.

She says the IMPD detective who investigated the case promised he would sit down with Griffin’s parents to explain the facts of the case, but that meeting has not happened. She wishes both police and the prosecutors office would be more transparent with the family now that it has been cleared as non-criminal.

While Russo’s homicide has officially been cleared as non-criminal, ultimately it will be up to the prosecutor’s office whether or not to file charges in Monday’s homicide.

Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Daniel Hiatt at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or e-mail the detective at Daniel.Hiatt@indy.gov. 

Prior to the two homicides this year, the last time police investigated a homicide at that complex was back in 2018.