On the afternoon of February 19, 2025, a passerby found a car with its door ajar behind the Greenwood Place Shopping Center in the 7600 block of Shelby Street on Indianapolis’ south side. Inside the vehicle was 21-year-old Demetrius Starks, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. The Marion County Coroner ruled the death a homicide and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department opened an intensive investigation.

Detectives canvassed the area and developed a suspect lead pointing to 32-year-old Joshua Blackwell of Kokomo. Investigators tracked his movements to Noblesville and Kokomo, and he was arrested in Noblesville on February 28. Court records show Blackwell faces a murder charge and related weapons and other charges, with a jury trial set to begin on May 5.

Anyone who saw activity behind the Greenwood Place Shopping Center on or around February 19, or who has information about Demetrius Starks, is asked to come forward.