Eric D. Butler, 35, known professionally as Lil E, was shot and killed in the early hours of June 19, 2026 on the east side of Indianapolis. Police responded to a report of a person shot about 2:15 a.m. and found Butler inside a car in the 200 block of South Franklin Road near Interstate 465; he was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died. Two months earlier, on April 23, Butler had survived a nonfatal shooting about 0.3 miles from the June scene.

Butler had a public profile as a local rapper with a sizable online following and music that drew on street life, and he reportedly had record deals under consideration. He also had a history of legal troubles, including past convictions for drug dealing and alleged ties to a group called the Grundy crew; in February 2025 he was acquitted of charges including dealing cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm. The IMPD Homicide Office opened an investigation; the ATF later offered a $5,000 reward. No suspects or motive have been announced and no arrests have been made.

Did anyone in Indianapolis know Eric Butler or have information about either shooting that could help investigators?