A post-prom house party on Indianapolis' north side turned deadly early Sunday when gunfire broke out inside a short-term rental, leaving one person dead and three others wounded. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to the 4000 block of North Park Avenue around 3:30 a.m. on May 3, where they found at least one gunshot victim at the scene. Two more people with gunshot wounds later walked into Methodist Hospital. Authorities said the gathering drew a large number of teenagers. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will determine the exact manner and cause of the death.
What police say
According to WTHR, IMPD officials said a total of three people were shot. One of those victims died, and another was reported in critical condition. Detectives have not publicly identified a suspect or a possible motive as they work the case, canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and combing through physical evidence. Officers also noted that an additional person was injured while trying to get out of the house during the chaos.
Victims and hospital
Police said two of the people who had been shot made their own way to Methodist Hospital, where medical staff treated them for their injuries. Officials have not released the names of any patients. Investigators said they also found at least one person with gunshot wounds at the rental home and are now following up on tips and any available surveillance footage. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will release the identity and official cause of death of the person who died once family members have been notified.
Short-term rentals under scrutiny
The incident adds to a troubling pattern in Indianapolis, where unsanctioned parties at short-term rental properties have ended in violence, according to police and neighborhood leaders. WRTV has reported on similar cases and on city efforts to register and regulate short-term rentals in hopes of cutting down on large, off-the-books gatherings. IMPD has urged property owners to stay alert, register security cameras with the department, and report suspicious activity so detectives have more leads when trouble breaks out.
How to help
Investigators are asking anyone who has information, photos, or video from the party or the surrounding area to contact the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477). Police say community tips and privately captured footage often make the difference in identifying suspects and getting cases in front of the prosecutor.
