In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Indianapolis, the life of Michael “Mike Treez” Chappel, a 53-year-old man known as a pillar of his community, was tragically cut short. On September 3, 2023, Chappel was one of three people shot in what police believe was a targeted attack on the city's northwest side. The shooting occurred just after midnight on West 37th Street, where Chappel and two others, a man and a woman, were standing outside talking.
Emergency services arrived to
find a chaotic scene. Chappel and the other two victims were rushed to the hospital. While the other man and woman were in critical and stable condition respectively, Chappel succumbed to his injuries. His death sent shockwaves through Indianapolis, where he was a well-known and respected community advocate, entertainer, father, and husband. His influence was felt in many circles, from the local music and entertainment scene, where he worked as a consultant, DJ, host, and promoter, to his dedicated community activism.
The investigation into Chappel's murder began immediately, with detectives from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department canvassing the area for witnesses. Authorities revealed that while several people witnessed the shooting, not everyone was willing to come forward with information. In the days and weeks that followed, family, friends, and community members mourned the loss of a man described as a 'bigger than life type person' who was always trying to help and impart wisdom to others.
Despite the profound impact of his death and the belief by police that he was the intended victim, the investigation has yet to lead to an arrest. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has not publicly identified any suspects in the shooting. The case remains open, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, leaving a community to grapple with the unsolved murder of a man who gave so much to his city.
