Indiana father seeks answers 2 years after teenage son’s death

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis father is mourning a tragic anniversary. Exactly two years ago, a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in northeast Indianapolis.

When police arrived at the scene, they found the 15-year-old victim lying in the middle of the street.

The victim died after being taken to the hospital.

Fifteen-year-old Sadayveon Edwards loved playing football, but those games came to an abrupt end when his life came to an abrupt end.

“It’s just unfair,” said Saleto Henderson, the victim’s father. “He didn’t even have the chance to live his life. It was taken away from him.”

Saleto Henderson’s son died after being shot on Meadowlark Drive around 1:30 a.m. on July 12, 2022.

“It feels like it happened yesterday,” Henderson said.

The last two years have been particularly painful because no one has been held accountable for Sadayveon’s murder.

“I think about him every day. I can’t sleep at night. He’s on my mind all the time,” Henderson said.

The 15-year-old victim lived very close to the crime scene. His family believes he was walking down the street to meet someone, but the motive for the murder remains unclear and police have never released any specific information about the suspect.

“Nowadays, people can kill others and get away with it. It’s terrible,” Henderson said.

Saleto’s family is not alone.

In 2022, there were a total of 19 cases involving juvenile victims. Only three of these cases were solved and charges were brought.

That’s why Saleto urges all parents to talk to their children about how to avoid violence.

“If you know they are carrying weapons, reach out to them and give them a positive message. Stop them from committing these crimes,” Henderson said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective James Hurt in the IMPD Homicide Division at 317.327.3475 or email him at [email protected].

Alternatively, they may call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.