On the evening of May 14, 2026, 30-year-old Joshua Thompson was shot at a motel in the 6800 block of East 21st Street on Indianapolis’ east side, near Interstate 70 and Shadeland Avenue. Officers arrived after a report of a person shot around 6:30 p.m.; Thompson was found with critical injuries and taken to a local hospital, where he died early on May 15. The Marion County Coroner’s Office later identified him.

IMPD homicide detectives opened an investigation and detained one person for questioning, but that individual was released after consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. Police describe the shooting as an isolated incident.

Anyone who was in the area that evening or who may have information about what happened at the motel is asked to come forward.