Adalina Sue Perez, a 17-year-old female from Shelbyville, Indiana, died on Monday, April 20, 2026, after she was shot inside a home on the 400 block of West Washington Street. Police were called to the residence around 8 p.m. for a report of shots fired and one person down. When officers arrived, they found Adalina unresponsive inside the house with a gunshot wound.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting happened during a gathering at the home where several young people were present. Court records described Adalina as being with a group of kids when 18-year-old Jayden McQueary allegedly pulled out a handgun. Witnesses told investigators that McQueary was waving the gun around the room, pointing it at walls, the floor, and at other people. Some reports stated the gun had a laser attached or that McQueary was pointing the laser around the room before the shooting.
At some point, McQueary allegedly pointed the gun at Adalina. Witness accounts cited in court records said she made a remark to the effect of daring him to shoot or telling him to do it. Moments later, the handgun discharged. The bullet struck Adalina, and the atmosphere inside the home turned from reckless joking into panic. Neighbors later described hearing a loud gunshot, with some initially thinking it sounded like a firework, until people began running out of the home screaming and crying.
After the gun went off, witnesses said McQueary fled the house. Court documents also stated that a 17-year-old male left with him, and both reportedly took their belongings and ran before police arrived. Later that evening, dispatchers received information about where McQueary and the juvenile might be located. Officers found them and took both into custody.
Jayden McQueary was booked into the Shelby County Jail and charged with reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony. Prosecutors said he was being held on a $250,000 bond. Authorities did not charge him with murder, with Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen explaining that murder would require proof of intent to kill, and prosecutors did not believe the facts supported that charge in this case.
A juvenile was also taken into custody in connection with the shooting and was transported to a juvenile detention facility. Online reports did not identify the juvenile by name, and the exact nature of that juvenile’s alleged involvement was not fully detailed in the available reporting. Police said the investigation remained active and asked anyone with information to contact the Shelbyville Police Department.
Adalina, also known as Addy, was a sophomore at Shelbyville High School. Her obituary described her as someone who dreamed of becoming a nurse so she could help save lives. She loved being outdoors, staying active, animals, music, dancing, and spending time with family. After her death, Shelbyville Central Schools made counselors and support staff available to students and staff, acknowledging the loss that had shaken the school community.
As of the latest available online reports, McQueary’s pretrial conference was scheduled for June 24, 2026, and his trial was scheduled for August 25, 2026. No conviction or final trial outcome was reported in the available sources.
