INDIANAPOLIS — Local police and an Indianapolis family are asking for the public’s help closing a case nearly two years after a teenager was shot to death on Indy’s south side.
Just after 3 p.m. on a Friday afternoon in November 2022, IMPD were called to a south side apartment complex in the 5300 block of Turtle Creek East Drive and found a 16-year-old shot in front of one of the buildings.
Kareem Muttler died hours later after being rushed to the hospital.
The teenage victim lived at the apartment complex with other family members when he was shot and killed.
“It is devastating that he’s no longer here to celebrate birthdays and holidays,” said the victim’s aunt Rosie Bryant.
At the time of the fatal shooting, Kareem was a student at Southport High School.
Police now believe the homicide stemmed from a dispute between friends.
Police say they know who pulled the trigger, but they still need witnesses to come forward.
“The shooter was someone that Kareem knew that was invited to his house that day and an argument happened and because of that argument my nephew lost his life,” said Bryant.
After the shooting, IMPD and Crime Stoppers put out a poster offering a reward for assistance in solving the case and to determine whether or not the shooter acted in self-defense.
“What the police know is they have an idea who the shooter is and what they’re looking for is to help solidify the case,” said Bryant.
Kareem’s death was one of 19 youth homicides in Indianapolis in 2022. Youth violence has been on the rise in recent years.
That’s why Rosie, who has worked for anti-violence groups for years and currently works for Live Free USA, encourages people to speak up for every unsolved case.
“My family was affected by this, but I want to ensure everyone is safe regardless of where they live, what school they go to or how much they make,” said Bryant. “Nobody should lose their life at such an early age. especially to gun violence.”
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Erika Jones at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or email her at [email protected]. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-8477 (TIPS) to remain anonymous.
