On the evening of October 4, 2007, emergency responders in Indianapolis, Indiana, were called to a violent scene unfolding at a local business. The victim was identified as 44-year-old White male Dean A. Messer, a resident of the area who worked as a plumber's technician and was completing his apprenticeship at the time. He was known to attend the Vineyard Community Church in Greenwood and had family in the region, including a son and several siblings.
The incident occurred late at night
near the intersection of Prospect Street and Laurel Street at the Fountain Square Express Gas Station. According to witness accounts provided to investigators, Messer arrived at the location in a van accompanied by another individual. Shortly after their arrival, the situation escalated into a heated argument between Messer and the other occupant of the vehicle. The verbal confrontation turned deadly when shots were fired, striking Messer.
Despite the arrival of emergency personnel, Messer succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police immediately launched a homicide investigation, interviewing witnesses who observed the van and the dispute. The suspect, who had arrived with the victim, fled the area, prompting a search by local law enforcement. In the years following the shooting, the case has appeared on forums dedicated to unsolved crimes, with no public reports indicating that an arrest was made or that charges were filed in connection with his death.
