Indianapolis police have arrested a teenager in connection with the death of 23-year-old Brett Scrogham.
Scrogham, a recent graduate of Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, planned to attend a baseball game with his family May 28 when he was shot in a downtown parking garage. He died two days later.
An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department news release announcing the arrest contained few details about the teen suspect, who was arrested on Indianapolis’ west side on June 3.
Mayor Joe Hogsett, a Democrat, thanked IMPD officers for their work on the case.
“While there are still more steps in the judicial process to fully hold this individual accountable, I hope this arrest gives Brett Scrogham’s family and all those who loved him some measure of comfort during this most difficult time,” Hogsett said in a statement, in part.
Brett Scrogham’s death sparks public response
In recent days, Scrogham’s death has sparked public conversation about violence in downtown Indianapolis, including comments from federal Republican lawmakers.
“Families should be able to park downtown, walk to a ballgame, and come home safely. Public safety has to be the first responsibility of city leadership,” Rep. Jefferson Shreve, a former mayoral candidate, posted on X.
And Sen. Jim Banks took to the Senate floor in Washington, D.C., this week, calling Scrogham’s killing a “senseless act of violence.”
Those messages dovetailed with comments from Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam that Marion County is “exporting its crime to the surrounding counties.”
IMPD Chief Tanya Terry’s statement
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make final charging decisions in the case. Under Indiana law, adult criminal courts have automatic jurisdiction over minors above the age of 16 charged with specific crimes, including murder.
An IMPD spokesperson did not immediately respond to an IndyStar question asking for the arrested teen’s age.
“While today’s arrest is significant, my heart breaks for everyone impacted by this tragedy. A young man lost his life, and another now faces allegations that will change his life forever,” IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said in a statement.
Ryan Murphy is the communities reporter for IndyStar. She can be reached at rhmurphy@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IMPD arrests teen in downtown fatal shooting of IU grad
Reporting by Ryan Murphy, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Ryan Murphy, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
