Violent weekend leaves a 17-year-old dead following block party shooting

INDIANAPOLIS—A violent weekend left a 17-year-old dead following a shooting on Indy’s near northeast side.

The violence coincides with IMPD’s latest awareness campaign. Police said the deadly shooting took place during a large block party.

Just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday, IMPD officers patrolling a large block party near 29th and Dearborn heard gunfire and located a three-car accident where they said several people shot at each other.

17-year-old Martavius Gray died after being shot. Minutes later, a second adult victim showed up at the hospital with non-fatal gunshot wounds.

While the exact motive for the killing is still unclear, police and community leaders are pleading with parents to get engaged to try and prevent youth violence this summer.

Gray’s death marks the fifth youth homicide in Indianapolis so far this year. That is more than twice last year’s number on the same date as the city prepares to head into the summer months.

“We want kids to have a safe and healthy summer, but that’s the key word — the key word is safe,” said IMPD Public Information Officer Alexa Boylan.

That’s why this week, IMPD rolled out a new social media campaign called “Be In the Know Before They Go.’” That’s a series of reminders for parents to know where their kids are going, when they’re coming home and who they’re with.

“Police alone cannot babysit our children and we really need all of our community to step up and we need their help,” said Boylan.

“Safety is the number one priority,” said Reverend Malachi Walker with Young Men Inc.

Walker is preparing to kick off his annual youth summer camp next month, which will include a week-long gun violence prevention workshop. The camp still has around 15 spots open for more kids to register and it’s just one of many options.

Walker urged parents to make sure their kids have something to do over the summer to avoid getting into trouble.

“It doesn’t matter what camp you sign up to, but get them involved in something positive,” said Walker.

IMPD just hopes parents learn from the weekend violence and get more involved in the lives of their kids.

“We need your help. We can’t do it alone. We need you to be engaged,” said Boylan.

So far, no arrests have been made in this case.

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

Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.

In addition to the awareness campaign, IMPD is offering two free summer programs that give youth the chance to engage with officers and build positive relationships in a structured and fun environment. 

• GREAT Camp
  • This camp expands on the school-year G.R.E.A.T. curriculum, reinforcing leadership, teamwork, and conflict-resolution skills through hands-on activities and mentorship from IMPD officers.
  • Dates: June 2–5 and June 9–13 Location: JTV Hill Center
  • Eligibility: Open only to students already enrolled in the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) program

• IMPD Teen Academy
  • The IMPD Teen Academy offers an inside look at law enforcement with a week of interactive learning, physical activities, and officer-led discussions focused on leadership, accountability, and building trust between youth and police.
  • Ages: 12–14 are eligible to join
  • Dates: June 16–20 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Location: Creston Middle School, 10925 E. Prospect Street
  • Registration: parents can sign up by completing this form.

• Community Days
  • East District; June 9; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Brookside Park
  • Downtown District; Sept 18; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Georgia Street between Meridian & Illinois
  • Southwest District; Sept 25; 4:30-7 p.m.; Haughville Park
  • North District; Sept 27; 12-3 p.m.; Castleton Square Mall
  • Northwest District; October 4; 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 3919 Lafayette Road

OPHS is also urging those with children in their care to “Know their Plans, Guide Their Hands”. This initiative centers on a two-fold approach: first, by highlighting free and low-cost youth programs offered by community partners so parents and guardians know what is available to keep their children engaged and safe; and second, by encouraging parents to have meaningful conversations with their children about summer plans, trusted emergency contacts, and—critically—how to exit safely if a party or event takes a dangerous turn. Teaching young people how to recognize escalating situations and calmly remove themselves can be lifesaving.

• Summer in the City is a free summer program created to provide safe, enriching, and engaging activities for Indianapolis youth ages 12 to 18. This program is a direct response to community calls for more youth-centered opportunities during the summer months. Transportation and lunch are included.
  Dates: Mon-Fri. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; June 2- July 18
  Location: 9501 E. 36th Place, Indianapolis, IN 46235
  Sign-up: Parents and guardians can sign up their kids through May 18 at https://t.co/IpyjBl38G7

• Mental Health Access and Resources
  • Stepping Stones Therapy Center will be hosting town halls to raise awareness for their behavioral health services, one of which is the Clinician-Led Community Response (CLCR) Team, a pilot partnership between Stepping Stones and OPHS. There will be opportunity for Q&A, and heavy refreshments and drinks will be provided.
    • Wednesday, May 21 @ 3039 North Post Road (P30), 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday, May 28 @ 777 Indiana Avenue (Indianapolis Urban League), 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

• OPHS’ Chief Violence Prevention Officer, Ralph Durrett, Jr. wants parents, guardians, and community leaders to know he can assist in connecting them to opportunities and resources to best support children during the summer months.
  • Contact him via email at ralph.durrett5@indy.gov