Do you know who murdered 66 year old Oluwadayo Epenusi?
On the early morning of May 20, 2017, 66-year-old Oluwadayo Epenusi, a Black male who had immigrated to the United States from Nigeria to work as a pastor, was found critically injured in Indianapolis, Indiana. The incident took place at the Lions Gate Apartments, located on the city's west side near West 10th Street and Interstate 465. Residents in the complex were startled by the sound of rapid gunfire just after midnight, with one neighbor reporting hearing approximately 15 shots fired in quick succession before calling 911.
Witnesses and friends later pieced together the moments leading up to the violence, describing a robbery attempt that turned fatal. Epenusi was reportedly carrying a purse-like bag which he refused to surrender to his assailants, leading investigators to believe the attackers targeted him under the assumption that the bag contained money. During the confrontation, the assailants opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite his injuries, Epenusi managed to flee back to his apartment unit. A roommate immediately transported him to Eskenazi Hospital, but he succumbed to his wounds shortly after arrival.
The investigation into the homicide revealed that Epenusi was a hardworking individual dedicated to his church and his family, often working intently to bring his children to the U.S. A close friend, Moshood Kafaru, indicated that the victim's resistance during the robbery was likely due to his protective nature over his belongings, although the bag he refused to give up ultimately cost him his life. Detectives swept the area and interviewed potential witnesses, but the lack of surveillance footage and the cover of darkness hampered immediate leads.
As of the last public reports regarding the case, no arrests have been made in connection with Oluwadayo Epenusi's death. Police have not released specific descriptions of the suspects, and the individuals responsible remain at large. The case has been categorized as an unsolved homicide, with authorities continuing to urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers.
