Willie Lee Biles Jr., 52, was fatally shot during an overnight incident on Indianapolis’ near northeast side on May 11, 2024. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers responding to reports of gunfire found Biles with gunshot wounds; he was later pronounced dead. His death was one of two fatal shootings in the city that night, the other occurring on the south side and involving a woman in a separate incident.

Biles had a prior federal conviction from May 2016 for illegally purchasing handguns in Indiana and transporting them to Chicago to sell. Prosecutors said he traveled by bus to Chicago’s West Side and sold weapons without requiring identification or background checks; he served a prison sentence and was released before his death. Family and friends recalled his sense of humor and ties to Indianapolis and his hometown of Chicago, where he attended Orr High School.

No arrests or public suspects had been announced and homicide detectives were asking the community for information. If anyone knew Willie, saw activity in the near northeast neighborhood that night, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.