In the late summer of 2024, the life of Zane Elijah Stoll, a 24-year-old Black/African American male from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was tragically cut short. On the evening of Monday, September 2, 2024, police were called to the 500 block of Kinnaird Avenue near Lutheran Park following reports of a shooting. Upon their arrival around 7:30 p.m., they discovered Zane suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite any efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Allen County Coroner's Office later ruled his death a homicide. His passing marked the 30th homicide in Allen County for the year.
Zane, who was born on May 19, 2000, in Dangriga, Belize, was remembered for his creative imagination, contagious smile, and infectious laugh. He was a father to a daughter and was preceded in death by a son. Those who knew him described him as a man who deeply loved his friends and family. His unexpected death left a significant void in the lives of his loved ones and the broader community.
The investigation into Zane's death moved forward, and within days, Fort Wayne police announced the arrests of two men in connection with the fatal shooting. Damerion Freeman, 19, and Trace Pallone, 24, were taken into custody. Both men face serious charges for their alleged roles in the incident, including murder, felony murder, and attempted robbery. Investigators were able to piece together the events that led to the shooting through witness statements and security footage, leading to the apprehension of the two suspects.
