A 14-year-old has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of an Indiana University business school graduate who was en route to meet his parents at a baseball game.
The unidentified teenager was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly being involved in the killing of Brett Scrogham in a parking garage near the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis on May 28, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
“Today’s arrest is significant, but my heart breaks for everyone affected by this tragedy. A young man lost his life, and another now faces life-altering allegations,” said Chief Tanya Terry.
“Today’s announcement marks an important step in this investigation, but it cannot ease the pain felt by Mr. Scrogham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This case reminds us how one violent act can instantly change countless lives.”
Chief Terry told Fox 59 that the shooting appeared to be a random act of violence between strangers, stressing that the department cannot combat such crimes alone.
“I’m frustrated and saddened to report that the person we believe responsible is a 14-year-old child. Let that sink in,” she stated.
Authorities are treating the shooting, which took place on the third floor of the parking garage, as a potential carjacking.
The 14-year-old is being held without bond as detectives collaborate with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to decide the charges to file against the teen.
Due to the suspect’s age, the case will initially proceed in juvenile court.
Scrogham was on his way to join his parents to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate team, the Indianapolis Indians, when he was killed, just weeks after graduating as a top-100 student from Indiana University’s prestigious Kelley School of Business.
His passing has sent shockwaves through the community, with those who knew him recalling the 23-year-old as brilliant and selfless.
“He was poised to change the world. I truly mean that. Brett was that spark; he had that x-factor, if you will,” close family friend Dwayne Sawyer told WRTV.
Indiana Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) paid tribute to the 23-year-old on the Senate floor, describing him as “a God-fearing Christian man” whose life was ended due to what he criticized as Indianapolis officials’ lenient stance on violent criminals.
Banks criticized Indianapolis authorities for what he termed a lenient approach to violent crime.
“If we keep making excuses for why we can’t enforce the law and keep violent criminals in prison, we will never have safe neighborhoods and communities — and innocent people like Brett will continue to pay the price,” Banks stated.
Following the arrest, Chief Terry issued a stern warning to the city’s youth that being underage does not exempt them from severe consequences for their actions.
“You are not entitled to other people’s property. We will hold you accountable, but everyone else involved in these kids’ lives must do their job. Be proactive, not reactive,” Terry told Fox 59.
Terry then urged parents and adults throughout the city to take responsibility for preventing youth violence in their communities.
“If you’re a parent and need help with your kids, it’s your responsibility to ask for help,” she told the outlet. “Parenting is not passive. You don’t get to say my kid is a teenager, they’re off doing God knows what. It’s your responsibility to know what that is. Be nosy. Be involved. Ask questions.”
