The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has announced the arrest of the final suspect in a homicide investigation dating back to January of this year. Malachi Wells was taken into custody on yesterday on an active murder warrant, as detailed by an IMPD News social media post. The arrest was conducted by detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) at a gas station on 7130 Southeastern Avenue. Wells was reportedly apprehended without incident and was found in possession of a handgun and marijuana.
According to the aforementioned police report, the officers initially responded to a report of shots fired on January 25, in the 4900 block of Primrose Avenue. They discovered an adult male victim with multiple gunshot wounds, who, despite immediate medical aid from IMPD officers and subsequent efforts by IEMS personnel, succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Homicide detectives, assisted by community members, were able to identify Wells as a suspect following the incident. After consulting with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued for Wells. Alongside Wells, a passenger identified as Derreck Phillips was taken into custody at the scene on charges of Possession of Marijuana.
IMPD's announcement marks the conclusion of an extensive investigation into the homicide. Wells is the third and final suspect to be rounded up in the case, joining Alexis Hawkins and Brian Winston, who had been previously arrested by VCU detectives. The two other suspects were apprehended on their respective murder warrants leading up to the latest arrest.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is set to make final charging decisions in the case. It is important to remember that an arrest and a charge are accusations, as IMPD emphasized. Wells and Phillips "should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty," reflecting the principles of due process in the United States legal system. Additional charges faced by Wells include Possession of a Handgun by a Prohibited Person and Possession of Marijuana, under IMPD Case number IP250096290. The case continues to unfold as these developments are processed through the judicial system.
