On the evening of December 10, 2018, a violent incident unfolded at a Dollar General store in Cumberland, Indiana, a community situated on the border of Marion and Hancock counties near Indianapolis. Gregory Raley, a 37-year-old male resident of New Castle, had traveled to the location with his fiancée, Andrea Manning, and her young daughter to purchase medication. While his family initially remained in the vehicle, Manning entered the store and quickly realized a robbery was in progress.
Following instructions Raley had previously given her for such dangerous situations, she hid and texted him to warn him of the danger, urging him to stay back.
Despite the warning, Raley approached the store entrance, reportedly intent on protecting his family and assessing the threat. As he encountered the suspects at the front of the business, a confrontation ensued. Witnesses and investigators detailed that Raley was grabbed by one of the assailants and dragged into the parking lot. During this struggle, he was shot in the chest. Manning, having emerged from hiding, ran to his side and attempted to administer CPR until first responders arrived, but Raley ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement officers from the Cumberland Police Department and surrounding agencies launched a manhunt that extended into the early morning hours of the following day. The investigation led to the arrest of two teenagers who were apprehended and accused of the crime. A 14-year-old male was identified by authorities as the individual who pulled the trigger, while an 18-year-old accomplice, Steven Sheppard, was also taken into custody. Both suspects faced serious charges, including murder, felony murder, and robbery. Prosecutors indicated an intention to waive the 14-year-old into adult court due to the severity of the offense, while Sheppard was charged under the felony murder rule for his participation in the robbery that resulted in Raley's death.
