On the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2025, 14-year-old Deandra Clay-Staples was found shot to death in the snow in the 1400 block of Salisbury Lane at the Laurelwood Apartments on Indianapolis’ south side. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family last saw her the previous evening when she left home with a group of other young people.

Known as Moo Moo, Deandra was a freshman at Warren Central High School and a devoted member of the G3 Steppers dance team since age 11. Teammates and her coach remembered her as joyful, energetic, and a powerful presence despite her small stature. In the days after her death family and friends held a vigil and released pink, purple, and blue balloons where her body was found; her dance team held a prayer service and balloon release to honor her.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the killing as a homicide. No arrests or publicly identified suspects have been announced. Rumors that she may have been set up by people she considered friends have circulated, but investigators have not confirmed that allegation. If anyone knew Deandra, saw her on the night of January 10, or has information about what happened, please come forward.