Two Dead, One Injured in East Indianapolis Shooting: Two Suspects in Custody Following High-Speed Chase
INDIANAPOLIS — A tragic shooting incident on the east side of Indianapolis has left two people dead and one seriously injured, shaking the local community and drawing renewed calls for unity and action. The violent events unfolded early Saturday morning, prompting a rapid and extensive response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
The Incident
At approximately 9 a.m. on Saturday, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers in the area of East 42nd Street and Mitthoeffer Road reported hearing gunfire. Moments later, multiple 911 calls were placed reporting a shooting in the 10000 block of E. 42nd Street.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered three individuals suffering from critical gunshot wounds—two adult males and one female. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) responded quickly. Tragically, one male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim, while critically injured, was stabilized and transported to the hospital. The second male victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The Pursuit
As police secured the scene and attended to the victims, they observed two adult males fleeing the area in a vehicle. This initiated a high-speed police chase that spanned several neighborhoods and escalated to dangerous speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour.
The pursuit began near East 42nd Street and Mitthoeffer Road and continued westward, eventually reaching West 16th Street and Winfield Avenue. During the chaotic chase, the suspects’ vehicle collided with an ambulance and another civilian vehicle in the 7000 block of East 10th Street. No life-threatening injuries were reported in those crashes.
At one point, one of the suspects exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After initial resistance, officers were able to take him into custody without further incident.
The chase ended near the intersection of West 16th Street and Winfield Avenue when police deployed a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver. The suspects’ vehicle crashed into several parked cars and struck a light pole before coming to a stop.
According to IMPD officials, the remaining suspect was uncooperative and refused to exit the vehicle initially, reportedly telling officers he would only surrender after “finishing his blunt.” The situation was defused peacefully with the aid of the IMPD SWAT team, and the suspect was taken into custody.
The Suspects
Police have identified the two suspects as 33-year-old Marquis Craig and 27-year-old Zay McDaniels. Both men are facing two counts of murder in connection with the shooting. Additionally, Craig has been charged with resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, in relation to the dangerous pursuit.
Investigators have not yet released a motive for the shooting, though robbery has been mentioned as a potential factor.
Police and Community Reaction
In a statement on social media, IMPD officials reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat and that both suspects have been apprehended. IMPD East District Commander Michael Leepper condemned the violence in strong terms.
“This is absolutely a callous act. You’re out here, it’s a Saturday morning. Even if this is a robbery, we have multiple people who are shot… two people that are dead. It’s just absolutely unacceptable,” Leepper stated.
The department emphasized its continued commitment to making Indianapolis a safer place, with ongoing efforts to increase visibility, community outreach, and collaboration with local organizations.
Community Response
The violence has deeply impacted residents of the east side, many of whom are calling for stronger leadership and mentorship programs aimed at helping younger generations find alternatives to crime and violence.
“I’m 60 years old, and I’m just saying I’ve seen it all,” said Anthony Young, a longtime resident. “What we need is a lot of leaders and community… Let’s come together, let’s get a solution and let’s see what we can do to stop this because we are losing our young people.”
This latest incident adds to a troubling trend of gun violence in Indianapolis, a city grappling with the same challenges facing many urban areas across the country.
Moving Forward
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including forensic analysis and interviews with witnesses. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact IMPD or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The story remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. For now, a community mourns the loss of two lives and hopes for recovery and healing for the injured victim, while city leaders and residents alike are left grappling with the urgent need for solutions.
If you or someone you know is affected by gun violence or needs support, consider reaching out to local crisis services or community organizations dedicated to violence prevention and youth outreach.
