In the early morning hours of September 5, 2014, the life of 35-year-old Ernest P. Drake III, a Black male, was tragically cut short in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was discovered suffering from multiple gunshot wounds outside a residence in the 3100 block of North Gladstone Avenue on the city's east side just before 4:30 a.m. Despite being rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, Drake succumbed to his injuries.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigators quickly determined that the
shooting was not a random act of violence. They believe that Drake was acquainted with his assailant and that the motive was likely connected to narcotics. Authorities also disclosed that Drake himself was known to them from previous investigations. A firearm was recovered at the scene of the shooting, although it has not been publicly confirmed if it was the weapon used in the homicide.
In the wake of the shooting, police encountered challenges in their investigation as potential witnesses were reportedly uncooperative. Despite their efforts and public appeals for information, no suspects have ever been publicly identified in connection with the murder of Ernest P. Drake III. To this day, the case remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made, leaving his family and community still searching for answers and justice. Services for Drake were held on September 16, 2014, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, followed by his burial at Crown Hill Cemetery.
