Kenneth L. Barnett Jr., 23, was shot and killed on the afternoon of June 27, 2023, at the Budget 8 Inn in the 6800 block of East 21st Street on Indianapolis’ far east side. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers found Barnett with gunshot wounds; emergency personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators processed the motel room, collected evidence and reviewed nearby surveillance as they worked the case.

Detectives later identified 24-year-old Anthony Morst of Indianapolis as the alleged shooter. Prosecutors say evidence included text messages exchanged between Morst and Barnett before the shooting and that a pillow was allegedly used to muffle the fatal gunshot. A murder charge and arrest warrant were filed, and Morst was taken into custody on June 18, 2024.

Anyone who was at the Budget 8 Inn or nearby on June 27, 2023, or who has information about Barnett’s movements that afternoon is asked to come forward.