On October 7, 2010, family members made a grim discovery at a residence on the southeast side of Indianapolis, Indiana. After failing to reach Charles "Buck" Hanna for several days, loved ones went to his home on Walker Avenue to check on his well-being. Inside, they found the body of the 63-year-old man, who had evidently been deceased for some time before he was located. Investigators arrived at the scene near the border of Indianapolis and Beech Grove to begin piecing together the events that led to his death.
Detectives determined that the victim, a White male, had been shot to death in his kitchen. The investigation quickly focused on a clear motive: robbery. Hanna was known to be an avid firearms enthusiast who maintained a large and valuable collection of guns within his home. Police found that his house had been targeted specifically for this collection, with approximately 27 firearms missing from the property. The perpetrators had managed to maneuver a massive, heavy gun safe out of the bedroom and through the hallway, a feat that investigators believed would have required multiple people or specialized equipment.
In the weeks leading up to the homicide, Hanna had reportedly expressed feelings of unease to those close to him. He lived alone but frequently showcased his collection to others, and authorities theorized that he likely knew his killers. He had previously made offhand remarks to family members suggesting that the weight of the safe was so substantial that anyone who could move it could have it—a statement that took on a tragic irony in the wake of the theft. Although two of the stolen weapons were later recovered, they could not be traced back to the individuals responsible for the crime.
Despite the specific nature of the stolen items and the likelihood that the victim was targeted by acquaintances, the case has remained cold for years. As of the last available public updates, no suspects have been publicly named, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has continued to classify the homicide as unsolved, urging anyone with information about the missing firearms or the events of that October day to come forward.
