INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD is investigating a deadly shooting that happened Thursday morning on the city's east side.
Police responded to a report of shots fired near 38th Street and North Arlington Avenue around 11 a.m. July 18.
Officers arrived and found a man in a car who had been shot. Medics arrived and pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Multiple family members and friends have identified the victim to 13News as 39-year-old Ron Gee, who was an antiviolence activist in Indianapolis.
Friday morning, the Marion County Coroner's Office confirmed his death — using his full name of Ronald G. Frieson.
Police have not shared information at this time about a possible suspect or motive.
"Any instance of violence in our community is unfortunate," IMPD Officer Amanda Hibschman said. "We have to do better. Our community has to do better. We have to find better ways to solve problems."
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
Hours after Gee's death, Indianapolis City-County Councilor Keith Graves (District 9) released a statement:
“Earlier today, our city lost a prominent community leader, mentor, friend, and brother, Ron Gee. Ron has been like a little brother to me ever since I met him when I first became a City-County Councilor, and like many of us in our community, I am heartbroken. He was well-respected and loved by so many, and I am devastated that he died from the very violence he dedicated his life to fighting against. Ron wanted better for our community. May we all commit ourselves to carrying Ron’s legacy of service, peace, and justice. Let us work together to create the peaceful community Ron worked every day to create. My heart goes out to Ron’s family, friends, and our entire city during this difficult time."
U.S. Rep. André Carson also posted about Gee:
Remembering Ron Gee
Ron Gee was a fierce community advocate and the founder of Cease Fire Indy.
In January 2024, 13News spoke with Gee and his 13-year-old son, who created a new group focused on keeping his fellow teens out of danger.
"I lost a lot of people to gun violence. Just seeing that and going through the funerals and balloon releases just made me want to do something," Gee's son said. "It's getting way worse. I lost somebody, and it was enough for me. It was enough for me."
"So one day, he came to me like, 'Hey, let's start our own organization. I want to start my own,'" Gee said. "I was like, 'OK, what does that consist of?' He said, 'I want to be the voice for the youth.' I said, 'Be the voice!'"
Gee's son started group called Young Minds Indianapolis as a way for kids to connect with rallies, giveaways, a big social media presence and positive community gatherings.
Even though the overall homicide rate was down in 2023, youth homicides spiked. The city had more than 20 people under 18 killed in 2023.
In November 2023, a fire destroyed 1313 Eatery, which Gee co-owned.
It was destroyed after being at East 10th Street and North Drexel Avenue for just a month.
The eatery and market is known for its wings and tenderloins and for treating customers like family.
"They love chicken, and God used the chicken to bring people together! One man, who had six kids, always came in and always paid. One day he comes in and says, 'Hey, I don't have no money this time.' OK, I have food, though, so here you go! We are here for the people," Gee said.
