A 16-year-old is gone after attending a Halloween party early Sunday morning.
Family tells the Indianapolis Recorder, Kalin Janae Washington was the victim of a shooting incident that left a total of ten people, ages 16 – 21, shot.
They say she was an innocent bystander who just wanted to enjoy being a teenager at a Halloween party. Washington loved to dance and do her hair. Her family said she had a beautiful spirit; she was silly and always laughing.
Her family emphasized that she was very sweet and respectful and did not deserve this.
RELATED: 10 people shot, 1 killed at Halloween party on the northeast side
IMPD says the other victims injured in the shooting were three 16-year-old boys, two 17-year-old boys, two 18-year-old women and a 21-year-old man and woman.
According to the IMPD, officers responded to the 5100 block of East 65th Street, near Binford Boulevard after receiving reports that a person had been shot at around midnight early Sunday morning.
10 people shot, one teen killed
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When officers arrived on the scene, they found at least nine people with gunshot wounds at an unspecified building. The girl killed died on the scene.
“When officers arrived, they heard shots being fired in the area and observed a large crowd fleeing the area,” said IMPD officer Samone Burris at the scene.
“They should be able to have a space where they can enjoy a good time. Additionally, our children need support from their parents, community members, churches and any organization in our community that focuses on youth. Our children need us.”
Burris said the incident is another example of why it is important to have conversations with youth to educate them about gun violence, settling disputes and how to have a good time and still go home safely.
The rest of the shooting victims are not in critical condition.
According to IMPD, multiple guns were found at the scene. Several people have been detained with no arrests.
IMPD is investigating what led to the shooting. There was a large gathering of teens and young adults attending a Halloween themed party before shots were fired.
City leaders respond
“I am frustrated and angry at the news of young people shot at a Halloween party last night. There are far too many guns in the hands of those who have no business having them, and shocking violence is too often the result,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement.
“IMPD is investigating and will hold fully accountable those who have chosen to settle disagreements with firearms.”
Assistant Chief of Police Chris Bailey also released a statement on the Halloween party shooting:
“I am heartbroken for those impacted by the senseless violence that took pace on Indy’s north side overnight.
Once again, I am angry at the irresponsible parents and adults who allow these parties to happen in the first place. Too often, we are seeing teens and young adults who have access to firearms and violence is unfortunately the outcome.
This Halloween event was specifically promoted and geared toward teens and young adults. We also need to hold accountable those who organize these types of events.
IMPD will work diligently to hold the person or persons who pulled the trigger/s accountable for the damage they have done.”
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Gregory Taylor. The IMPD Homicide Office: 317.327.3475 or e-mail him at Gregory.Taylor2@indy.gov.
Contact staff writer Jade Jackson at (317) 762-7853 or by email JadeJ@IndyRecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
