Ernest P. Drake III, a 35-year-old Black man, was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside a residence in the 3100 block of North Gladstone Avenue on Indianapolis’ east side in the early morning of September 5, 2014. He was taken to Eskenazi Hospital but died of his injuries shortly after being discovered just before 4:30 a.m.

Investigators concluded the shooting was not random and said Drake was acquainted with his assailant; police indicated the motive was likely related to narcotics. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and officers noted Drake was known from prior investigations. Witnesses were reportedly uncooperative and no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested; the case remains unsolved. Services were held on September 16, 2014, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery.

If anyone knew Ernest or has information about the shooting on North Gladstone Avenue, please come forward.