The Indianapolis community is grieving the tragic deaths of a young child and a 22-year-old man, who were fatally shot this past Monday night. The incident occurred on the northeast side of the city, overshadowing what was meant to be a day of celebration for the 3-year-old victim, Armonie Booker, who had just celebrated his third birthday.
In an interview with WRTV, Armonie's father, Arieon Anderson, grieved, saying, "I love you, that’s all I keep saying – you didn’t deserve this one bit." The family expressed that even in his short life, Armonie's drive was evident and that he had the potential to "do whatever he wanted to do." The double shooting that claimed his life occurred just after 9 p.m. around 7400 block of Shadeland Avenue, where the victims were found in a car.
Along with the toddler, Jaishawn Johnson, age 22, was also a victim of the shooting. An off-duty Lawrence police officer discovered the man and child and, along with medics, attempted to provide aid. However, both victims ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
Tiah Gaithings, who had been cutting Booker's hair for approximately a year and a half, reminisced about the boy's vibrant personality with WTHR. "He just has so much personality," Gaithings shared. "That's what drew me into him." Reflecting on the devastating loss, she expressed her disbelief and sorrow: "How could you kill a 3-year-old?"
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as Indianapolis police work to uncover the motives behind this horrific act and identify those responsible.
