In the early morning hours of March 18, 2015, the life of 35-year-old Nakeda Norwood was tragically cut short in her Indianapolis apartment. A mother of four, Nakeda was fatally shot in the head in what authorities would later describe as an act of domestic violence. Her children, ranging in age from 8 to 13 at the time, were in the home when the fatal incident occurred.
The primary suspect in her death was identified as her 25-year-old live-in boyfriend, Nick Payne.
Indianapolis police were dispatched to the east side apartment complex around 5:30 a.m. after receiving several unfinished 911 calls originating from the residence. Upon their arrival, officers encountered Payne attempting to leave with Norwood's children. After detaining Payne, they discovered Nakeda's body inside the apartment. During the initial investigation, Payne claimed that Norwood had been playing with the gun and had accidentally shot herself.
However, the evidence soon contradicted Payne's account. An autopsy confirmed that Norwood's death was a homicide. It was also revealed that her eldest daughter had attempted to call for help during the altercation but was prevented from doing so by Payne. Despite the traumatic circumstances, the young girl reportedly did her best to keep her mother coherent until police arrived. Payne was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder. The devastating event left Norwood's family and friends heartbroken, remembering her as a loving mother with a bright smile who was deeply dedicated to her children. Following her death, her four children were placed in the care of family members.
