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. Drake was discovered outside a friend's house in the 3100 block of North Gladstone Avenue on the city's near-east side, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The incident was reported shortly before 4:30 a.m., and though he was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Indianapolis police
investigating the fatal shooting quickly determined that it was not a random act of violence. Authorities believed that Drake was acquainted with his assailant and indicated a possible connection to narcotics, noting that he was known to them from other investigations. A firearm was recovered at the scene, but it was not immediately clear if it was the weapon used in the homicide. Investigators faced challenges in gathering information, as some witnesses were reportedly uncooperative.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and public appeals for information, the investigation into Ernest Drake's murder has not led to any arrests, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case remains one of many unsolved homicides in the city, leaving his family and community searching for answers and justice. His funeral services were held on September 16, 2014, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and he was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery.
