In the summer of 2020, the life of 16-year-old Brayden Michael Shiflet was tragically cut short. On the night of July 11th, the Indianapolis youth, a student at North Central High School, attended a party on the city's east side, near the intersection of 24th Street and North Sheridan Avenue. In the early morning hours, the gathering was shattered by gunfire. When the violence ceased, Brayden and another young man, 18-year-old Landon Haggard, lay dead from gunshot wounds.
A third individual was also wounded in the incident but survived.
Brayden, born on June 4, 2004, was known by loved ones as a selfless person who cherished his family. He was a bright student with a passion for academics, basketball, music, and video games. He was also an active member of the Christian youth group, Young Life. His sudden death left his family, including his parents, James and Michelle Shiflet, and his siblings, in a state of profound grief and searching for answers. The family remembers him as a loving son and brother, whose potential was stolen in a senseless act of violence.
The investigation into the double homicide was launched by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Despite their efforts, the case has been met with significant challenges, primarily a lack of forthcoming witnesses. The initial responding officers found Brayden and Landon deceased at the scene. The third victim was located nearby on Kenyon Street with non-life-threatening injuries. In the years that have followed, no arrests have been made, and police have not publicly identified any suspects.
Brayden's family has been vocal in their pursuit of justice, pleading with the community for anyone with information to come forward. They, along with the family of Landon Haggard, have become advocates against gun violence, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing their same devastating loss. The case of Brayden Shiflet's murder remains open and unsolved, a painful reminder of a young life ended too soon and a family's ongoing wait for closure.
