INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in years, the number of shootings and homicides continues to decline in Indianapolis.
In March, there were a total of 12 homicides in Indianapolis. It is the lowest number of murders in a single month in nearly two years while there were 11 homicides in April 2020.
Still, police and community leaders know there’s still work to be done to bring those numbers down.
In early March, an online clothing sale and robbery led to a murder on Ingram Street. “My life will never be the same again. I saw that. I tried to save him. I tried to save his life,” said Stephanie, the victim’s fiancée.
The man who died on Ingram, Kerwin Pollard, was visiting Indianapolis for the first time with Stephanie. The couple came from Illinois to sell clothes. Pollard left behind twin daughters who must now grow up without their father. “These girls will now have to visit their father in the cemetery for the rest of their lives,” Stephanie said. “It’s insane and it’s very unfair. It’s more than unfair. »
After meeting on a subway, two men told Pollard they had to go to Ingram Street to get some money. Court records claim that after Pollard began showing the suspects’ clothing, he was shot and his car was stolen. “They could have robbed us. We had no weapons. We had no weapons,” Stephanie said.
Pollard’s death is one of 45 homicides this year in Indianapolis. That’s a significant drop from 59 murders at the end of March last year, but violence remains higher than any recent year before 2020.
“I think that should tell the public to stay optimistic. Our numbers are heading in the right direction,” said WISP Manager Samone Burris.
IMPD believes that its partnership with community groups and the city’s expanded program for peacemakers has led to a reduction in violence. “Crime isn’t just an IMPD problem,” Burris said. “We need everyone to do their part and the community to work with us. They play a very important role. »
“What I’ve seen over the past year is an increase in community engagement. There are more local organizations involved,” Reverend Charles Harrison said.
Rev. Harrison of the Ten Point Coalition is also encouraged by the reduction in violence this year, but knows it’s a long-term fight. “By the end of the year, we’ll probably still be one of the highest in city history, but if we’re going down, that’s a positive sign,” Harrison said.
While prosecutors have charged Julius Thomas with Pollard’s death, Stephanie has a message for anyone thinking of hurting someone else.
“No one is free to take someone else’s life,” Stephanie said. “It’s insane and you’ll ruin your whole future for nothing.”
Unfortunately, the majority of this year’s homicides remain unsolved. Anyone with information about any of these unsolved murders is still urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
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