IMPD chief provides update on mass shooting that left 2 dead, 5 wounded

INDIANAPOLIS — Police are continuing to investigate what led to a mass shooting on Indy’s northwest side on Sunday morning that left two men dead and five others wounded.

Police believe there were at least three shooters involved in the incident. It’s not clear exactly who shot whom, but both men who died allegedly fired shots along with a third suspect who has yet to be identified.

Just after 2 a.m. Sunday, gunfire erupted in the parking lot between a nightclub and a liquor store just north of West 38th Street on Shore Terrace.

The shooting left 38-year-old Rodney Taylor and 29-year-old Dante Hogans dead on the scene.

Sadly, witnesses told police the two men played a role in their own deaths.

“One man grabbed a handgun from the waist of another man and began shooting. The man whose gun was taken pulled a second weapon and shot that person, and a third unidentified person may have shot him,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey.

Five innocent bystanders were also caught in the crossfire, but so far, the motive for the initial dispute remains unclear.

“There’s still a lot to understand about this incident, but nothing makes rational sense of it.  Absolutely senseless,” said Bailey.

“It’s all horrible, all bad. I couldn’t tell you anything good about this situation if I tried,” said Perry Hilliard.

While Hilliard witnessed the shooting, he’s also not sure why it took place.

Police are still talking to the surviving victims.

The chief admits that stopping deadly violence fueled by alcohol and poor conflict resolution is a daily challenge.

“Heat-of-the-moment arguments are not easy for law enforcement to interrupt or stop,” said Bailey.

That’s why Bailey insists the community has to do their part by not using guns to settle disputes and by speaking up to help solve crimes when they happen.

“This is a community problem. Community members have to make better decisions,” said Bailey.  “Each one of us must take responsibility for the choices we make, because that can cost lives, including your own.”

No arrests have been made in this case.

Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Christopher Winter at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or e-mail the detective at Christopher.Winter@indy.gov. Alternatively, individuals can also call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-8477 to remain anonymous.