Fort Wayne recorded its first homicide of 2026 in the early hours of January 24 when 31-year-old Khiry Van Wilkens was found unresponsive in his vehicle near Pemberton Drive and East State Boulevard. Responding officers initially treated the scene as a crash, but investigators determined Wilkens had sustained a gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital and later died; the Allen County Coroner’s Office ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound and the manner homicide.

Investigators believe the shooting happened a few blocks away from where Wilkens’ vehicle was located. Evidence indicated the incident stemmed from an attempted robbery that turned fatal, and two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the murder and the robbery attempt. Further details on court proceedings are pending as the case moves through the legal system.

Did anyone in the Fort Wayne area see activity around Pemberton Drive and East State Boulevard that night or have information about the robbery attempt?