In the early hours of Sunday, April 12, 2026, a shooting on Indianapolis’ west side left 33-year-old Rachael Lynn Rakes dead and her father critically injured. Officers were called about 12:30 a.m. to the 800 block of Westbrook Avenue near West Washington Street and Holt Road. Rachael’s father was found on the front porch with gunshot wounds; Rachael was located inside the home. Both were taken to a local hospital, and Rachael was later pronounced dead.

Friends described Rachael as a mother of three who was known and loved by many and said they believe the shooting stemmed from domestic violence involving a man she was in a relationship with. The suspect fled the scene but was arrested on Thursday, April 16, after a community tip led police to the 6500 block of West Washington Street, where 39-year-old Javon Cushenberry was found with a gun in his waistband.

Court records show Cushenberry has a lengthy criminal history, including a prior attempted murder conviction with an eight-year prison term, arrests for domestic violence and methamphetamine offenses, a federal gun conviction, and a 2025 methamphetamine conviction. If anyone knew Rachael, her family, or saw activity in the Westbrook Avenue area that night, please come forward with information.