INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot at a motel on the east side of Indianapolis Tuesday afternoon.
Around 3 p.m., officers at the scene located a person whom they say had been shot at the Budget 8 Inn in the 6800 block of East 21st Street, near Shadeland Avenue. The individual, an adult male, was later pronounced dead.
IMPD said a person who knew the victim went to check on him and found him dead in a room at the motel.
On Wednesday, the Marion County Coroner's Office identified the victim as 23-year-old Kenneth Lee Barnett Jr.
Investigators spent hours at the scene, collecting evidence, including surveillance video from the hotel next door.
"When the detective come, we give them everything. Evidence," said Modessa Salem, manager of the Roadway Inn, which is next to the Budget 8 Inn.
Salem said police are a familiar sight at the Budget 8 Inn and in the area, where several motels are located.
"The night is too much problem. More problem. We hear the gunshots," Salem said.
Police said they are continuing to focus on the area.
"Our officers have made a significant amount of arrests in this area," IMPD Ofc. William Young said.
Tuesday's shooting at the Budget 8 Inn wasn't the first. In January, two men were shot and killed at the motel.
In the hours after the latest shooting, police did not have a suspect or a person of interest.
"We need the community to provide us with information and tips. Officers are working hard to hold those responsible for gun violence crimes committed, aggravated assault. We'll continue to do the best we can do," Young said.
Even with a police presence, Salem said when his customers see flashing lights and police tape, they're afraid.
"They just come and they leave from over here. They don't want to check in," Salem said.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact IMPD Homicide Det. Anthony Johnson at 317-327-3475 or by email at Anthony.Johnson@Indy.gov or call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.