Crime
Sapanna Harris Killed in Suspected Domestic Violence Shooting on West Side of Indianapolis
A male person of interest was located approximately a block from the scene shortly afterward.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A woman was killed Saturday evening in a shooting believed to be related to domestic violence, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
Officers responded to the area of Chadbourne Drive and West St. Clair Street, just off North Girls School Road, around 8:15 p.m. after receiving multiple reports of a shooting.
According to IMPD, dispatchers noted the sounds of a domestic disturbance in the background of several 911 calls related to the incident.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Sapanna Harris Williams, an adult female, inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds.
Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A male person of interest was located approximately a block from the scene shortly afterward.
During the apprehension, officers deployed a Taser to safely take him into custody.
His identity has not been released, and it is unclear at this time whether any charges have been formally filed.
IMPD’s Victim Assistance Unit and a department chaplain were present at the scene to support those affected.
Investigators currently believe this was an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
During a media briefing, IMPD Night Watch Captain Rob Rider emphasized the inherent danger involved in domestic violence cases—for both the individuals and responding officers.
“Any time there’s a domestic-related incident, it’s one of the most dangerous an officer can go into,” said Captain Rider. “There’s a lot of emotion, a lot of passion. Unfortunately, things explode sometimes. People make bad decisions. That’s what occurred tonight.”
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact IMPD Homicide detectives or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS (8477).
Norfolk, Virginia — Authorities have identified the instructor killed during Thursday’s shooting at Old Dominion University as Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, a retired U.S. Army officer who had returned to the university to serve as an instructor with its Army ROTC program.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:43 a.m. on the university’s campus in Norfolk. Police responded after receiving multiple emergency calls reporting an active shooter inside Constant Hall.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect—identified by authorities as Mohammed Jalloh—entered the building and walked through the hallway before approaching a classroom where an Army ROTC session was underway.
The suspect reportedly asked individuals inside whether he had arrived at an ROTC class. When someone confirmed that it was, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally shooting the class instructor.
Voorhees University confirmed in a public Facebook statement that the victim was Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, noting the tragedy has personal ties to the institution.
“This tragedy is felt especially close to home for us, as the victim, Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah, was the son-in-law of Voorhees University Trustee and alumnus Dr. Dan Martin,” the university wrote in its statement. “We lift Dr. Martin and his family in our thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable loss.”
Shah was a native of Staunton and began his military career by enlisting in the United States Army in 2003 as an aviation operations specialist.
In 2005, he enrolled at Old Dominion University, where he later received his Army commission in 2007. Shah graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in military science.
Following his commissioning, Shah served extensively in Army aviation. According to his alumni profile at ODU, he earned the Army Aviation Senior Aviator wings, logging more than 1,200 flight hours across three different aircraft and accumulating over 600 combat flight hours during his service.
In addition to his undergraduate degree, Shah pursued advanced education, earning an MBA from University of Georgia and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from University of Kansas.
Throughout his military career, Shah received numerous awards and distinctions. Among them were the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
His alumni biography also described him as a strong advocate for minority and veteran business education, highlighting his involvement in initiatives that support diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship. In addition to his professional work, Shah volunteered his time to assist underserved communities.
Shah returned to his alma mater in summer 2022 to serve as an instructor and help lead the Army ROTC Monarch Battalion at Old Dominion University. In that role, he mentored and trained students pursuing military leadership careers.
University officials and members of the campus community have expressed deep sorrow over his death, remembering Shah as a dedicated officer, educator, and mentor whose service and leadership had a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about the suspect’s motive, and the investigation remains active.