INDIANAPOLIS — Community leaders will meet some youth on Indy’s east side to remember a 17-year-old young man shot to death near his home last week.
Members of the New Breed of Youth are meeting at 9501 East 36th Place to talk about Dashawn Gilbert.
The 17-year-old was part of the youth mentor program before he was murdered. That death remains unsolved.
On Halloween night, with kids still out trick-or-treating, IMPD was called to a shooting in the Brookwood Crossing neighborhood along Cumberland Road.
That’s where 17-year-old Dashawn Gilbert died after being shot in the middle of the street just around the corner from his own home.
“My experience with Dashawn Gilbert in the program was super respectful. He had a lot to deal with, but we never had an issue with him in our program,” said Kareem Hines.
Hines said Gilbert was part of his New BOY mentoring program, along with the victim’s younger brother who remains active in the program.
Before his death, the 17-year-old had been set to graduate early from Warren Central High School next month.
While the cause of the homicide remains under investigation, the goal for now is to promote healing by those who knew the 17-year-old.
“This circle is not about what happened. It’s about how do we move forward? How do we grieve in a healthy way?” said Hines.
Gilbert’s death marked the 9th juvenile homicide in Indianapolis so far this year.
That is less than half of last year’s total on the same date and the lowest number through October for any year going back to 2018.
That’s why Hines also plans to preach a message of hope to Dashawn’s friends.
“We have an opportunity to make sure these young men see there is value to their lives. Make sure they understand firearms is never the answer to any conflict,” said Hines.
So far no arrests have been made in the case.
Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Jose Torres at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or e-mail the detective at [email protected].
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.
