On the afternoon of May 18, 2020, a violent incident unfolded on the east side of Indianapolis, Indiana, claiming the life of an 18-year-old Black male named Donavan Barnett. The shooting occurred during daylight hours, shortly after 2:30 p.m., in a busy commercial area. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of North Post Road, near the intersection with East 38th Street, following reports of a person shot.
Upon their arrival at a local gas station, they discovered Barnett inside a vehicle in the parking lot, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Despite the immediate response of emergency personnel, Barnett had sustained fatal injuries. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene, marking a tragic end for the young man who had attended Lawrence North High School and Belzer Middle School. The Marion County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his identity and the nature of his death. The incident took place during a notably violent weekend in the city, prompting concerns from community leaders and organizations like the Ten Point Coalition about the rising gun violence in the area.
Detectives from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department homicide unit launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Early assessments suggested that the attack might have been targeted, rather than a random act of violence, though officials did not immediately release a specific motive. Investigators canvassed the area for witnesses and surveillance footage, urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in solving the case.
As of the available reports following the incident, no suspects had been publicly identified or taken into custody in connection with Donavan Barnett’s death. Police did not release a description of a potential shooter at the time, and the case remained under active investigation with authorities appealing to the community for tips to Crime Stoppers. The lack of immediate arrests left the case unresolved as family and friends mourned the loss of the teenager, known affectionately by nicknames such as "Swiper" and "DonDon."
