Authorities in Indianapolis believe that a mother killed her 9-year-old son in an apparent murder-suicide at their home.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said they learned of the incident when they received a report of a shooting around 1 p.m. on Monday, October 19, at an apartment complex near 46th Street and Eagle Creek Parkway, according to WTHR.
Officers then reported to the home, where they found Shatayvia Alisha Calderon and her son, Julian Calderon, with gunshot wounds. Both Shatayvia, 33, and Julian were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. It is not currently clear how much time passed between the shooting and when they were found.
The police department said that detectives believe the deaths were a murder-suicide, in which the mother “killed her son and then herself.”
“We’d like to remind our community of available resources for those struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide,” an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said in a statement about the tragedy, per the outlet.
Police said that a gun was found inside the apartment. Meanwhile, officers were able to speak to a “cooperative witness” about the killings. It is not currently clear how the witness knew the mother and son or whether they were at the apartment at the time of the killings.
It is not yet known whether authorities believe Shatayvia had a motive, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting and what incidents may have led up to it remain under investigation.
The police department’s spokesperson said there are still “lots of questions” regarding the case. However, investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community in light of the seemingly isolated incident.
“This is unthinkable. And we’re here to not only investigate, but to provide resources, as well. Not only here on scene, but in the days, weeks that follow this,” officer Drew Brown said of the shooting.
In light of the tragedy, authorities have asked that anyone with information regarding the shooting contact Detective Carl Clark II at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475. Additionally, those with information can also contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department had no additional updates to share when contacted by Us about the case.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
