In the early morning hours of Valentine's Day 2020, a young man named Chad Smitherman, aged 20, was fatally shot in Indianapolis. The incident occurred in the 3600 block of Hemlock Avenue, near the Indiana State Fairgrounds. After being shot multiple times, Smitherman managed to walk to a nearby GetGo gas station at the intersection of East 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway to seek help. Emergency services were called to the gas station just after 6:30 a.m.
He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation into the shooting, cordoning off the area to gather evidence. However, details regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting have been scarce, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or a motive for the murder. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide, and the case remains one of many unsolved murders in the city.
Chad Smitherman's mother, Lisa Smitherman, has been a vocal advocate for justice for her son. She has expressed her profound grief and frustration with the lack of progress in the investigation. According to Lisa Smitherman, there are claims that the weapon used in the shooting was recovered and that one of the suspects had sent a text message to her son that was tantamount to a confession. The family continues to hope for a resolution that will bring them a measure of closure for their tragic loss.
