Docs: Dispute over mailbox leads to double shooting on Indy's near east side

INDIANAPOLIS -- Court documents have shed new light on what led to a double shooting on Indy's near east side this week.




Previous reporting indicates that officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were initially called on July 22 around 5:51 p.m. to the 100 block of S. Randolph Street after receiving reports that a shooting had occurred in the area. The caller stated that her boyfriend was shot and that the alleged shooter was a neighbor who resided behind them.




Police arrived and located two men suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One of the victims was located in a backyard suffering from three gunshot wounds. IMPD said the other victim was discovered near the front door of the residence with one reported gunshot wound.

Officers then came into contact with 49-year-old Paul Turner as he was standing on the opposite side of a steel barrier in the area. As officers tended to the victims, they reportedly overheard Turner telling them, "I'm here, I'm the one that did it." Turner was then detained and placed inside a police vehicle as police worked to learn more.




One of the victims was transported to Eskenazi Hospital and was initially reported to be in critical condition after being shot on the right side of his neck, right firearm, and right leg, according to IMPD. The other victim's condition was upgraded to stable.




Early in their investigation, IMPD had initially revealed that the shooting followed a disturbance between the suspect and the two victims, who they believed were "known acquaintances."

Investigation, arrest

As detectives returned to the scene to collect and process evidence, they reported finding blood splatter on the front concrete patio and near the front door of the residence where one of the victims was discovered.




Investigators also found six spent shell casings located in the bed of a red GMC Sierra truck that they said was registered to Turner. They also found a black semiautomatic pistol inside the residence.




Police then proceeded to execute an approved search warrant inside the residence a short time later. While inside, they seized the following items:

• Black rifle





• black semi-automatic handgun





• Taurus handgun





• Unfired cartitridge





• Loaded AR magazine





• Box of 9mm ammunition

"I shot both of them"

As part of their investigation, detectives met and spoke with one of the victims who stated that the other person who had been shot was his brother and was visiting him when the incident occurred.




According to court documents, the victim stated that his brother reported seeing Turner check a mailbox he thought was theirs, not realizing that his brother and Turner shared a mailbox. The brother then went outside to confront Turner and a verbal altercation ensued. Court documents detail how this escalated to an argument that concluded with Turner allegedly shooting the two victims.




Investigators also received a statement from the original caller. She said that Turner and the victim who resides in the area had been engaging in an ongoing dispute over the mailbox for a few months.




The woman told police that Turner was allegedly angry after being told to "check the mail in the morning instead of at night."




On Wednesday afternoon, IMPD announced the arrest of 49-year-old Paul Turner for his alleged role in the incident. According to court documents, Turner reportedly made a call to an unknown individual before he was transported to IMPD's Aggravated Assault Office for a police interview.




During the call, court documents show that Turner reportedly made the following statements:




"I got into it with the neighbors."




"They were going off."




"I thought they were going to do something."




"I shot both of them."




IMPD confirmed Turner has been preliminarily charged with Aggravated Battery (Level 5 Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony).




The Marion County Prosecutor's Office has yet to make official charges in regards to this incident. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.





via: https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/docs-dispute-over-mailbox-leads-to-double-shooting-on-indys-near-east-side/