On a late summer evening in Indianapolis, Indiana, what began as a planned robbery over marijuana spiraled into a fatal encounter for 15-year-old Joshua Luttrell. The White / Caucasian male, along with two other teenagers, had arranged to rob 19-year-old Eric Morris on August 29, 2017. The group's motivation was retaliation, as Morris had reportedly tried to rob one of their friends earlier.
The confrontation took a tragic turn in the 3900 block of South Ewing Street on the city's southeast side when Morris produced a firearm.
The planned robbery quickly escalated into violence as Morris opened fire on the three teenagers. A bullet struck Joshua in the head, inflicting a fatal wound. He succumbed to his injuries on September 1, 2017. Remembered by his family as an outgoing and caring young man who enjoyed sports like football and wrestling, as well as roller skating and skateboarding, his life was cut short in a moment of conflict. His loved ones described him as a protector who would stick up for others.
The investigation into Joshua's death led police to Eric Morris, who was arrested the following day at Southport High School. Initially, Morris faced a murder charge for the shooting. However, the legal proceedings took a turn when a mistrial was declared in June of the following year. Subsequently, Morris accepted a plea agreement, and the murder charge was reduced to voluntary manslaughter. A Marion County judge sentenced him to 20 years in prison, with an additional two years to be served in community corrections, bringing a close to the legal chapter of a tragic and violent event that ended a young man's life.
