A pair of juveniles, aged 15 and 16, have been arrested in connection with an unjustified murder and robbery that occurred outside a business on Indianapolis’ east side in June.
Police think the two teenagers murdered a complete stranger in a random robbery at a laundromat in the 2200 block of N. Mitthoefer Road shortly after 1 a.m. on June 9, when most children are sleeping.
“You took a life for no reason, and it has been extremely difficult,” said the victim’s cousin, LaShana Means. “It was senseless.”
Lashana’s cousin, Robert English Junior, 43, died after being shot and taken to the hospital.
The victim’s family knew him as Deon.
According to prior reports, Deon’s family stated that he was simply sitting in a car with the door open in the parking lot when he was approached by some young males who requested a lighter. That swiftly turned violent as the suspects allegedly got out pistols and opened fire.
“You know, we were out here minding our own business, and it’s sad, but I hope justice prevails,” said the victim’s cousin Derrick Hardaway, who witnessed the murder.
Both suspects are currently in juvenile court for murder.
The 16-year-old was 15 at the time of the homicide but will turn 16 in July. He is accused of an adult with a different armed robbery from August.
“You have young teens out here on the hunt. “Doing things without thinking,” said the victim’s uncle, Tony Arrington.
Deon’s family hopes that both adolescent suspects will be waived into adult court for the unprovoked killing; however, that decision is still in the hands of a juvenile judge.
“If you commit an adult crime, you will serve time as an adult,” stated Arrington.
The family also hopes that Deon’s death serves as a reminder that parents must play a role in preventing teenage violence.
“For all the parents out here with teenage kids, watch what your kids are doing and get involved with their lives,” Arrington added.
“You know it’s sad because they’re only 15 and 16, so their mother or father should have known where they were at that time of night,” Hardaway added.
Because the accused are minors, many elements of the case will stay confidential until the murder trial is filed and unsealed in adult court.
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