On a cold December evening in Indianapolis in 2017, Brianna Z. Coleman, a 27-year-old female, finished her workday and made a stop at a friend's apartment near 34th Street and Keystone Avenue. This seemingly routine visit on December 4th would tragically be her last. In what investigators believe was a failed robbery, Brianna was fatally shot.
Despite the appearance of a robbery, authorities noted that nothing was taken from her.
Her purse, containing cash and her cell phone, was found at the scene, leading detectives to suspect the robbery attempt went awry and the assailant or assailants fled. Investigators described Brianna as a true innocent victim, with no criminal history or involvement in any activities that might have led to her murder. Her family remembered her as a dedicated mentor and tutor for young students in the Indianapolis Public Schools and Warren Township, as well as at her church.
Surveillance footage from the area captured a silver, late-nineties or early 2000s model Chevrolet Malibu that police believe was connected to the crime. The video showed the vehicle arriving approximately five minutes before Brianna and parking. It is believed that someone from that vehicle met with Brianna after she arrived. Law enforcement officials have stated that they believe at least two individuals were involved: a shooter and a driver. The footage also captured an individual walking with Brianna just before the fatal encounter. However, detectives do not believe that she knew her killer.
To date, the case remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made in connection with Brianna Coleman's murder. Police have reached out to the public for any information that could lead to the identification and apprehension of the person or persons responsible for her death. Her family continues to seek justice for a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
