In the early morning hours of November 12, 2023, the life of 17-year-old Caiden Andrew Clements was tragically cut short in a residence in Speedway, Indiana. A student at Ben Davis High School, Caiden was just five days away from his eighteenth birthday. He was a beloved son, described by his father as a young man who earned good grades, had a passion for soapbox derby racing, and possessed a joyful spirit that brought laughter to those around him.
The fatal incident occurred around 2
a.m. in the 5000 block of West 22nd Street. Caiden was in the basement of a home with several other individuals when the resident of the basement, 19-year-old Benjamin Mulkey, began showing off his rifle. According to court documents, the rifle was passed around the room. Reports indicate that a witness loaded a round from the magazine into the chamber of the firearm. Subsequently, Mulkey allegedly stood up, pointed the rifle at Caiden, and fired a single shot, which proved to be fatal.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Speedway police quickly identified Benjamin Mulkey as the suspect and arrested him later that same afternoon. He is facing a preliminary charge of murder in connection with Caiden Clements's death. The Marion County Coroner's Office officially identified Caiden as the victim of the homicide. His family, who had been anticipating a birthday celebration, was instead left to plan a funeral, grappling with the sudden and senseless loss of a young man known for his protective nature and the bright smile that could light up a room.
