Make wishtv.com your home page

East side community gathers to pray, seek an end to violence

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A community on the east side of Indianapolis is working together to pray for peace and to stop violence.

A spokesperson for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said there have been 131 homicides, as of Monday.

The sound of music filled the sanctuary Wednesday at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church.

People from all different backgrounds sat together under one roof with the same goal in mind.

“There’s a lot of good things that could come out of this with the community sticking together,” said Jackie Brooks, a resident. “We have to stick together. We have to pray.”

Brooks is part of the congregation at Messiah Missionary Baptist Church.

She said she came out to show her support and to look for answers.

“I think we will walk out of here with a new vengeance to do something to help our children, to help our youth,” said Brooks.

She said her biggest concern is the future of her community and how it’s going to affect her grandchildren in the long run.

“Knowing that I can walk down the street and not get hit in the head [is a relief],” said Brooks. “The concern is my 3-year-old grand son. One day he will grow up and have the fun and relaxation of life that I had growing up, without all the fear and guns.”

A foundation called Him by Her is hoping to provide resources for at risk youth and young adults.

The man behind the non profit is a homicide detective for IMPD.

Harry Dunn said his goal is provide counseling, training and education.

“It’s hard for me every day to stand over individuals and complain about what I see as a homicide detective and not get engaged and not get involved,” said Dunn. “Do something about it.”

While many continue to pray for better days ahead, detectives are working to solve homicides, including the high-profile case of Amanda Blackburn.

“We are still going through the evidence and looking at it carefully,” said IMPD Police Chief Rick Hite. “But I want to thank the community for continuing to step up and provide information to find the person who committed this heinous crime.”

If you know anything about any of the unsolved homicides in the City of Indianapolis, you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at (317) 262- TIPS.

Crime Map
Use Search Bars Above To Search Crime Data