On a Halloween night filled with the sounds of trick-or-treaters, tragedy struck on the far east side of Indianapolis. Just moments after leaving his home on Brook Crossing Lane, 17-year-old Dashawn Anthony Gilbert was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on October 31, 2024, in the Brookwood Crossing neighborhood, while children were still out in the community. Neighbors reported hearing about half a dozen gunshots before police were called to the scene.
When they arrived, they found the teenager deceased in the road.
Dashawn was a senior at Warren Central High School and was reportedly on track to graduate in December. He was described by his family as a quiet kid who loved his brother and stayed out of trouble. He was also an active participant in a youth mentoring program called New Breed of Youth. Those who knew him, including his teachers, said he was well-liked and never had any issues.
In the wake of the shooting, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department began an investigation, speaking with neighbors and seeking doorbell camera footage that might provide clues. As of early November 2024, no arrests had been made, and police had not publicly identified any suspects. Authorities did state that they did not believe there was a lingering threat to the public. Dashawn Gilbert's family has pleaded with the public for anyone with information to come forward to assist the authorities in resolving the case. His death marked the ninth juvenile homicide in Indianapolis that year.
