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Heightened security, new focus on youth programs after quadruple homicide at apartment complex

Heightened security, new focus on youth programs after quadruple homicide

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Wednesday was “pizza night” at Carriage House East Apartments.

Residents and staffers gathered at the complex’s recently opened “Success Center” to share dinner and tidbits of information flooding social media feeds.

“Have you heard? It just came out!” a mother said to her neighbor.

Heightened security, new focus on youth programs after quadruple homicide at apartment complex

Four teens were arrested and charged in connection with a quadruple homicide at Carriage House East Apartments, police announced Wednesday.

The deadly shootings Feb. 5 claimed the lives of Braxton Ford, 21; Kimari Hunt, 21; Jalen Roberts, 19; and Marcel Wills, 20.

The chilling murders of the young adults led to heightened security and a renewed focus on youth development programs at the sprawling northeast side complex, staffers said.

Pizza night was hosted as part of an ongoing community meal program that aims to connect residents with other community members and Success Center services.

The center’s goals include supporting basic needs, youth development, workforce development and community engagement, according to executive director Stephanie James.

“We want to show people that there are good things happening on the far east side,” she told News 8. “So often, this area of town gets overlooked. There’s lots of support here and more of a sense of community than people probably imagined.”

Several hundred children live at Carriage House East Apartments, James said.

She oversees youth programs at the complex, including homework clubs, job training opportunities and after-school “food and fun” sessions.

Despite surging violence across the city, the Success Center has made a palpable difference within the apartment community, some residents said.

“They help [children] with their homework and give them a meal,” said resident Ilene Loper. “That does make a difference. [It gives] them somewhere to go to get off the street.”

Loper heard the gunshots that ended four young lives and shattered the futures of four teens; Ford, Hunt, Roberts and Wills were shot to death in an apartment across the street from her unit.

News of the quadruple homicide arrests was “exciting but still sad” for neighbors, she said.

“It was just really, really close to home,” Loper told News 8. “I’m so sad for all of their families.”

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