On the night of May 9, 2023, 20-year-old Kiera Erin Zepke was found behind a residence on Lillie Street in Fort Wayne, Indiana, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene. She was described as a free spirit, a loving mother to her son, and someone who enjoyed designing clothing. Her death was recorded as the 11th homicide in Fort Wayne and Allen County that year.

Police arrested 38-year-old Steven Atkins the next day, May 10, 2023, and charged him with murder. A three-day jury trial in August 2023 resulted in Atkins being found guilty of murder, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon, and a firearms enhancement; sentencing was scheduled for October 2023. Does anyone have information about Kiera’s last known movements or who might have seen her in the Lillie Street area that night?