Nearly 65% of this year’s homicides remain unsolved, IMPD says
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — On Saturday night, a group of people gathered to pray for the victims of the unsolved murders in Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, 143 of the 221 homicides so far this year in Indianapolis remain unsolved — that’s about 65%.
The vigil was held in memory of Gregory Wilson Jr., who was fatally shot in 2015. His case has remains unsolved. His father, Gregory Wilson Sr., holds this vigil every year on the anniversary of his son’s death.
“It’s so many families that have lost loved ones — whether it’s father, mother, sister, uncle, brother — you name it. That’s why I’m here today — not just my son, but to make sure that people understand there’s lots of victims of violence,” Wilson Sr. said.
Wilson Sr. said he loses sleep thinking that his son’s killer could still be a danger to others.
“People are being killed. All I care about is one thing — saving lives. How do we save lives as a community?” Wilson Sr. said.
IMPD says the department has a dedicated group of detectives that only focuses on cold cases. Wilson Sr. said he has never heard from them.
“It seems like it’s been cold from day one, because I haven’t gotten the communication. I’ve tried, but I haven’t,” Wilson Sr. said.
Neighbors in the community said police alone can’t be blamed for the unsolved murders.
“We can’t get time with the mayor — they’re not interested. The council isn’t interested. Our elected officials aren’t interested,” Ted Feeney, a neighbor, said.
“We’ve seen homicides spike each and every year. The last six years have been the most violent in Indianapolis history. That’s a cause for concern for any resident,” Feeney added.
IMPD and families of the victims agree on one thing: Anyone with information needs to come forward — and they can even do so anonymously.
“(We want) the community that knows about some of this violence — who’s committing these violent acts — to turn these people in,” Wilson Sr. said.
Wilson Sr. said even though finding his son’s killer won’t bring him back, knowing they’re not on the streets will bring some closure.