Police identify victim found near White River
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a body found near the 2600 block of North White River Parkway as a possible murder.
The victim is identified as 18-year-old Shane Watford of Indianapolis
Police said they received a phone call Friday around noon that a person found a body at the edge of the White River. They said Watford’s body was not submerged in water, and was found in an area where people fish and park their vehicles.
Watford had at least one gunshot wound, but police won’t specify where for investigative reasons.
Police said because they found a long blood trail along the parking lot leading up to the river bank, they believe Watford’s body was placed at that specific spot.
Whether you’re fishing, boating or enjoying a meal, the Lake Indy boat ramp is a peaceful spot along the White River.
“This is one of my favorite spots really,” said Paul who pulled up finish his lunch and watch the water. “It’s a nice place except something like this is what makes it ugly.”
Hours before Paul parked his car for to eat, police were investigating a murder.
“It’s unfortunate, whoever this person is, to be dumped in a place like this,” he said.
This isn’t the first time this year the White River has been the scene of a crime. Last month police pulled a torso from water later identified as belonging to James Rice.
“Preliminarily, we don’t believe that it’s connected. We believe that this victim was likely brought here as opposed to some other circumstances but obviously, certainly this investigation will look into all those commonalities,” said IMPD Sgt. Kendale Adams.
The boat ramp area is quiet and secluded. Paul thinks that might be why the victim was left there.
“It’s the nature of the beast, put it that way,” he said. “This has been a place through the years where people just come, do what they have to do.”
But just because Paul believes that doesn’t mean he ever expected it to be taken this far.
“It’s just a sad thing,” he said.
Police said there is no evidence of other victims in the case. They also said they do not think this incident is connected to any other case.
