On January 24, 2021, a mass shooting on Adams Street in Indianapolis’ near northeast side left 13-year-old Rita Raynelia Childs and several family members dead. Rita, a student at Hoosier Academy who loved dance and entrepreneurship, was killed along with her father, Raymond Childs Jr., her stepmother Kezzie Childs, her 18-year-old brother Elijah, and Elijah’s 19-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Kiara Hawkins. A 15-year-old brother survived after escaping with gunshot wounds and alerted authorities, identifying his 17-year-old brother, Raymond Childs III, as the shooter.

Police located five victims and the unborn child at the home. Raymond Childs III fled but was taken into custody the next day at a relative’s house in Indianapolis; firearms believed to be used in the attack were recovered and the surviving brother provided testimony about the argument and subsequent shootings.

The loss devastated a large, close-knit family and left a community searching for answers. If anyone knew Rita, her family, or has information about that night, please share what you know.