2 women die, teen boy critically hurt in shooting on near east side

UPDATE: The Marion County Coroner released the identity of the two women shot and killed as Jessica Nicole Cruz, 33, and Jersey Castner, 18.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) –Two women died and a teen boy was in critical condition after a shooting early Friday morning on Indianapolis’ near east side, police say.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a report of a person shot shortly after 4 a.m. Friday in the 3500 block of Brookside Parkway South Drive. That is in a residential area just south of Brookside Park.

Officers found three people with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

A woman died at the scene. Another woman died at a hospital.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office will release the names of the two women who died once their families have been notified, IMPD says.

Investigators think someone forced their way inside a home, which led to shots fired inside and outside into the residence.

Police believe the shooting was not a random act.

Several children were reported at the scene, but all were safe and talking with detectives.

No arrests have been made, and police did not share any information a possible suspects.

Anyone with information was asked to contact IMPD Detective Connie Pearson at the homicide office at 317-327-3475 or e-mail him at connie.pearson@indy.gov.