Crime
38-year-old Mark Sanchez arrested in Indianapolis stabbing incident
INDIANAPOLIS — Detectives with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) are investigating a physical disturbance that occurred near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m.
According to investigators, the incident involved two adult males and resulted in one individual sustaining laceration injuries and the other suffering wounds consistent with a stabbing.
Both men received medical attention at local hospitals.
The individual with apparent stab wounds remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Preliminary findings indicate the altercation was an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence.
Detectives have confirmed that both individuals involved are not residents of the Indianapolis area.
The IMPD Aggravated Assault Unit has obtained and reviewed video footage related to the incident as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following further investigation and in consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, IMPD detectives arrested 38-year-old Mark Sanchez for his alleged involvement.
Sanchez, who remains hospitalized, was arrested on preliminary charges of:
- Battery with injury (misdemeanor)
- Unlawful entry of a motor vehicle (misdemeanor)
- Public intoxication (misdemeanor)
Sanchez has not yet been booked into the Marion County Adult Detention Center, as he remains under medical care.
All individuals connected to this case have been identified, and no additional suspects are being sought.
The case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for a final charging decision.
The IMPD Public Affairs Office noted that it is department policy not to release the identities of victims or suspects unless an individual has been formally charged, arrested, or is being actively sought.
Authorities emphasize that an arrest is merely an accusation, and Mark Sanchez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Probable cause affidavits related to this incident are not released by IMPD and must be obtained directly from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office or the Marion County Clerk’s Office.
Crime
33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz killed after shooting LGBTQ+ bar Savoy in Orlando
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.
