Tommy Perry Newton was a father who adored his children and was remembered by those who loved him as the "life of the party." Born on April 17, 1987, he was known to some by the nickname "Tom Dogg" and had attended Broad Ripple High School in his youth. At 39 years old, his life was defined by the connections he made and the family he cherished. That life was violently ended on a Monday night in late September, leaving his family and community to grapple with the sudden loss.
The night
of September 28, 2026, was shattered by gunfire just before midnight in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood of Indianapolis. Around 11:45 p.m., officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 3200 block of North Guilford Avenue following a report of a person shot. When police arrived at the residential street, they discovered two men outside with gunshot wounds. The shooting occurred near the Rev. Charles R. Williams Park, a community hub just north of 30th Street.
Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and transported both injured men to a local hospital for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Tommy Newton succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The Marion County Coroner's Office later officially identified him as the victim of a homicide. The second man wounded in the attack was also hospitalized, but authorities did not release his name or details about the severity of his injuries. The circumstances that led to the shooting have not been made public.
The violence unfolded on the edge of a space dedicated to community and uplift. The Rev. Charles R. Williams Park, named for a celebrated local civil rights leader, had recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, transforming it into a vibrant area with a new playground, trails, and performance spaces. The park stands as a monument to a man who championed social and economic progress, making the deadly incident a stark and jarring contrast to the neighborhood’s aspirations for peace. The shooting was a somber moment for a community that had invested in creating a safe haven for its residents.
Homicide detectives from the IMPD responded to the scene on North Guilford Avenue to begin their investigation into the double shooting. They canvassed the area for evidence and sought to speak with anyone who might have witnessed the incident or had information about what happened. In the days and weeks that followed, however, no arrests were made, and police did not publicly name any suspects or persons of interest in connection with Tommy's death. The case joined a list of other unsolved homicides in the city for that year.
As of early 2027, the investigation into the murder of Tommy Perry Newton remains open and active. His family has not publicly announced any vigils or fundraisers. Without arrests or answers, his loved ones are left to mourn, waiting for justice in a case that has grown cold. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department continues to ask for the public's help in solving the crime.
Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Detective Christopher Winter of the IMPD Homicide Office is the lead investigator and can be reached at 317-327-3475 or by email at [email protected]. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
