In the spring of 2021, a promising life was tragically cut short in Indianapolis. Kianna Mimms, an 18-year-old female, was found in critical condition inside a crashed vehicle on the near northeast side of the city on the afternoon of Saturday, April 24th. Initially responding to a car accident, officers soon discovered that Mimms had sustained a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a local hospital where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The Marion County Coroner's Office later confirmed that a gunshot wound was the cause of death.
Kianna was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend who was on the cusp of adulthood. She was a student at Crispus Attucks High School with plans to graduate with the class of 2021 and had been accepted to Ball State University. Known for her strong work ethic, she held jobs at several companies, including Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx. Her family remembers her as a gifted artist and a sports enthusiast who participated in basketball, volleyball, boxing, and even the regional spelling bee. Her cousin described her as someone you had to be proud of, stating she was 'really going places.'
The investigation into Kianna's death led to the arrest of 18-year-old Bethany Shaffer in November of that year. Homicide detectives identified Shaffer as a suspect, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She was subsequently charged with murder and carrying a handgun without a license in connection with Kianna's death. As the legal proceedings began, Kianna's family and friends gathered on what would have been her 19th birthday to celebrate her life and call for justice. They remembered her as a vibrant and ambitious young woman who lived her life to the fullest.
