A devastating shooting in Indianapolis has left a family shattered and a community grappling with questions about gun violence, youth safety, and personal responsibility. On July 12, 2025, 12-year-old Israel “Izzy” Offett and his 24-year-old brother, Wayland Coe, were fatally shot in a senseless act of violence, prompting widespread mourning and difficult conversations about the circumstances that led to their deaths.
Newly released court documents have revealed the motive behind the double homicide, painting a picture of jealousy, misunderstanding, and a tragic escalation that ended in the loss of two lives. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), 19-year-old Anthony Bean confessed to opening fire on the brothers after seeing Coe interact with a group of women, one of whom was Bean’s girlfriend, outside a taco truck in the 5100 block of West 38th Street around 4 a.m. The incident followed an earlier encounter at Club Vibez, a nearby nightlife venue, where the parties had reportedly crossed paths.
Court records indicate that Coe approached the group of women at the taco truck, asking, “Are y’all ready to go?” Witnesses described the comment as harmless and non-confrontational, but Bean interpreted it as disrespectful. Moments later, he allegedly drove up to the SUV where Coe and Izzy were seated and opened fire. Both brothers sustained critical gunshot wounds. Coe was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Izzy was taken to Riley Hospital for Children but succumbed to his injuries. During his interrogation, Bean reportedly admitted that both victims were “innocents” and expressed remorse, acknowledging that his actions were “wrong.” Despite this, the irreversible damage was done, leaving a family and community in mourning.
The tragedy has ignited a complex and emotional debate in Indianapolis. At the heart of the conversation is a haunting question: What was a 12-year-old doing out at 4 a.m.? Some community members have defended the circumstances, noting that Izzy was under the supervision of his older brother, who appeared to be acting in a caretaking role. In tight-knit families, siblings often rely on one another for companionship, and many argue that Coe’s presence provided a sense of security. However, others contend that the late-night setting, tied to nightlife and adult environments, exposed Izzy to unnecessary risks. The discussion has raised broader questions about the safety of minors in such contexts, the responsibilities of guardians, and the choices that led to this tragic outcome.
The motive behind the shooting adds another layer of heartbreak. Court documents suggest the incident stemmed from a fleeting moment of perceived disrespect, rooted in Bean’s jealousy over Coe’s interaction with his girlfriend. What might have been a minor misunderstanding escalated into a deadly act, highlighting the devastating consequences of impulsive decisions and unchecked emotions.
Israel “Izzy” Offett is remembered as a vibrant, kind-hearted boy with a love for video games, family gatherings, and aspirations of becoming a professional football player. Wayland Coe, described as protective and charismatic, was a beloved figure in his neighborhood, often acting as a mentor and big brother to those around him. Friends and family emphasize that Coe’s intentions that night were likely rooted in care for his younger brother, even if the decision to bring Izzy along proved fateful. Their mother, Natysha Offett, expressed profound grief, stating she was “in shock” and struggling to process the loss of both sons, whom she had been preparing for a family trip to King’s Island just hours after the shooting.
The deaths of Izzy and Wayland have intensified Indianapolis’s ongoing conversation about gun violence, particularly among youth. The city has faced a surge in violent incidents, with IMPD reporting a staggering number of shootings over the July 4th weekend, including a mass shooting downtown that killed two teens and injured five others. In response, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey and Mayor Joe Hogsett have called for stricter enforcement of juvenile curfew laws and increased community efforts to address the root causes of violence. Programs like Prescription for Hope at Eskenazi Hospital are working to support gunshot victims and prevent future incidents, but the city continues to grapple with the systemic issues fueling its gun violence crisis.
As Indianapolis mourns, the tragedy leaves lingering questions: Does understanding Coe’s role as a caretaker change perspectives on Izzy’s presence that night? Was the supervision of an older sibling enough to ensure safety in such an environment? Or does this incident underscore the need for greater caution in exposing young children to adult settings? There are no easy answers, but the loss of two lives over a misunderstanding underscores the urgent need for solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The city, the Offett family, and countless others are left to navigate the profound grief of losing Izzy and Wayland, whose lives were cut short in a moment that never should have happened. As the legal process unfolds, with Anthony Bean facing two preliminary counts of murder, the community continues to seek healing, accountability, and a path toward a safer future.
