Matthew Hamilton

Matthew Hamilton, a 23-year-old Black man, was killed in a shooting on a late summer evening in his hometown of Indianapolis. The incident, which resulted in a double homicide, took place on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

That evening, Matthew was at a BP gas station at the intersection of 30th and Cold Spring Road on the city’s near northwest side. He was with a female companion when another man, identified as 23-year-old Darren Marion Douthit Jr., confronted them. According to information from court documents, Douthit shot Matthew. In response, Matthew’s companion shot Douthit. She immediately called 911 for help, but both Matthew and Douthit died from their injuries.

Investigators determined that the woman who shot Douthit acted in defense and she did not face any charges related to the shooting. The police investigation then focused on a third person who was involved in the events leading up to the fatal encounter.

Detectives learned that Douthit had been driven to the gas station by another man. This man was identified as Damarius Coffy, and he was subsequently arrested. During questioning, Coffy reportedly told investigators that he was aware Douthit had a firearm and that he intended to “take something” from someone at the gas station. Authorities initially charged Coffy with felony murder.

The case has since been resolved. Damarius Coffy later pleaded guilty to one count of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the shooting. With this plea, the legal proceedings in the death of Matthew Hamilton are considered closed.