On May 20, 2024, 19-year-old Jaden Omarion Thrasher was shot and killed inside a car on Indianapolis’s east side near East 12th Street and North Colorado Avenue at about 10:15 p.m. He had celebrated his 19th birthday five days earlier. Thrasher was in a vehicle with his 18-year-old girlfriend, Ziana Johnson, when gunmen approached and opened fire. Investigators say they believe Thrasher was the intended target. A 19-year-old woman in the car was grazed by a bullet and a baby inside was not struck.

Family members describe deep grief and frustration over a lack of progress. The morning after the shooting, his father, DaJuan Thrasher, went door-to-door in the neighborhood asking for information. His mother, LaShun Thrasher, has said the investigation hit a brick wall and visits his grave daily. As of late 2024 no arrests have been announced and no suspects publicly identified.

If anyone saw activity around East 12th Street and North Colorado Avenue that night or has information about who approached the car, please contact Indianapolis police.