Jodessa Cooper, a 53-year-old female from Indianapolis, was a loving mother and devoted caregiver. Known to family and friends as "Jodie Jo," she was described by her oldest son as being full of unconditional love. She dedicated much of her time to being the primary caregiver for her own mother and for one of her sons, who has schizophrenia.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Jodessa had been out with her boyfriend, David Ross, celebrating his birthday. Hours later, just before 3:30 p.m., officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were called to an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Mill Crossing Drive. There, they discovered Jodessa inside a vehicle. She was in the passenger seat and had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death was ruled a homicide. On February 23, 2023, police arrested Ross, age 51, in connection with Jodessa's death.
According to a preliminary probable cause affidavit, Ross told a family member that he and Jodessa had been fighting over a gun inside the car. He stated that during the struggle, the weapon discharged, striking her. Jodessa’s family questioned the initial charge brought against him, believing the shooting was not an accident.
On March 2, 2023, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office announced that it would not be filing formal charges against David Ross. He was subsequently released from custody. The prosecutor’s office explained their decision, stating, “After a thorough review, the available evidence did not meet the burden of proof required for criminal charges.” They added that this was not the end of the investigation and that the state would continue to review any additional evidence that might emerge.
As of March 2023, the case remains unresolved, and Jodessa Cooper’s death is officially unsolved.
