A 14-year-old has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shooting of a cherished Indiana University business school alumnus. The victim was en route to meet his parents for a baseball game when the tragedy occurred.
The young suspect, who remains unnamed, was detained on Wednesday in relation to the death of Brett Scrogham. The incident took place on May 28 in a parking garage close to the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
“While today’s arrest is a significant development, my heart breaks for all those affected by this tragedy,” expressed Chief Tanya Terry. “A promising young man lost his life, and another now faces serious allegations that will irrevocably alter his future.”
Chief Terry continued, “Although this announcement is a crucial step in the investigation, it cannot lessen the sorrow experienced by Mr. Scrogham’s family, friends, and loved ones. This case serves as a tragic reminder that a single act of violence can forever change many lives in mere moments.”
In an interview with Fox 59, Terry indicated that the shooting seemed to be a random encounter between strangers, emphasizing the challenge of preventing such crimes without community support.
“It’s deeply troubling to reveal that the individual we believe responsible is just a 14-year-old child,” she stated, urging the public to reflect on the gravity of the situation.
Authorities are investigating the shooting, which occurred on the third floor of the parking garage, as a possible carjacking.
The 14-year-old is being held without bond as detectives work with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office to determine which charges to file against the teen.
Given the suspect’s age, the case will begin in juvenile court.
Scrogham was on his way to meet his parents to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate team, the Indianapolis Indians, when he was killed — weeks after he graduated as a top-100 student from Indiana University’s prestigious Kelley School of Business.
His death sent shockwaves across the community, with those who knew him describing the 23-year-old as brilliant and selfless.
“He was about to change the world. I truly, 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.) honored the 23-year-old on the Senate floor, describing him as “a God-fearing Christian man” whose life was cut short due to Indianapolis officials’ soft approach to violent criminals in the city.
Banks blasted Indianapolis officials for what he called a soft 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 said.
Following the arrest, Terry issued a stern warning to the city’s youth that being underage does not mean their actions cannot have severe consequences.
“You are not entitled to other people’s property. We will hold you accountable, but to everybody else that has a touch point in these kids’ lives, do your job. Be proactive, not reactive,” Terry told Fox 59.
Terry then called on 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 some 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.”
