Promising Business Student Tragically Killed in Random Shooting
Indianapolis is reeling from a senseless act of violence after a promising young business student was shot and killed in what police are describing as a random attack. Brett Scrogham, a 23-year-old graduate of the IU Kelley School of Business, was on his way to meet his parents for an Indianapolis Indians baseball game when he was fatally wounded.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening around 6:00 PM in a parking garage. Scrogham was just moments away from Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians, when he was struck by a bullet. Responding officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) found him suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition and, tragically, was pronounced dead on Saturday.
An individual was detained at the scene following the shooting but was later released. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have issued an urgent plea to the public for any information that could shed light on this devastating event.
Scrogham was more than just a student; he was a distinguished achiever. According to a GoFundMe page established in his memory, he was recognised as a Top 100 student at the IU Kelley School of Business, a testament to his dedication and academic prowess. His future aspirations were reportedly focused on making a positive impact, with plans to invest in low-income housing and rental properties, potentially even developing apartment complexes.
The loss of Scrogham has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their profound grief and disbelief. Robyn Collier, who shared a deeply moving story about Scrogham rescuing her dogs from a house fire, spoke of the overwhelming devastation. “We are all devastated and heartbroken for his family,” Collier told Fox 59. “We just can’t even fathom what is going on in the world right now needs more Bretts in the world. We don’t need more violence.”
His close friend and classmate, James Wilson, also paid tribute to Scrogham, highlighting his pride and success as a student. “With him being top 100, him getting that was very impressive, and he was very happy to get that,” Wilson commented. He further elaborated on Scrogham’s ambitious vision for his future, stating, “He potentially saw himself investing in his own low-income housing and rental properties and maybe building some apartments or something like that.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett released a statement expressing his sorrow over the incident. “Today, I am saddened to learn of the passing of a victim of last week’s random act of violence,” the Mayor stated. “Violence anywhere in our community is unacceptable – especially when it claims the life of an innocent person simply enjoying the amenities that make our city great.”
A City Grappling with Rising Crime
Scrogham’s tragic death comes at a time when Indianapolis, like many cities in the Midwest, has been grappling with a concerning rise in crime and violence. Indy Star columnist Jeffrey Tompkins, reflecting on the incident, posed a stark choice for the community: anarchy or urbanism.
Tompkins, an urban planner with deep ties to downtown Indianapolis, argued that the escalating levels of violence have reached a critical point. He suggested that cities often admired for their safety and vibrancy, such as Tokyo, Paris, or even New York at its best, achieve this not because their residents are inherently more gentle, but because crime is not the prevailing expectation.
The columnist also pointed to other recent incidents that have instilled fear and caused harm within the city. Among these was the alarming act of arson on an IndyGo Red Line bus on April 24, 2024, carried out by career criminal Demarcus McCloud, 46. Fortunately, swift action by the bus driver led to the safe evacuation of all passengers, preventing any fatalities. McCloud, who had a history of over 46 arrests, was later sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges related to malicious damage to property.
Another deeply unsettling case highlighted was the death of Air Force veteran Brandon Breedlove in March 2024. Breedlove was tragically killed by a drunk driver, Salvador Banales. Banales received a sentence of five-and-a-half years in prison, followed by four years of probation. Notably, an Indiana judge permitted Banales to return to his home state of Texas until his trial, a decision made on the same day Breedlove’s organs were donated. Banales was ultimately sentenced in March 2025 for his role in Breedlove’s death.
These incidents underscore the growing concerns about public safety in Indianapolis, with the random and violent death of Brett Scrogham serving as a particularly heartbreaking reminder of the challenges facing the city. The IMPD continues its efforts to bring those responsible for Scrogham’s death to justice and to address the broader issues contributing to the rise in crime.
