INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County coroner on Monday identified a man shot and killed in the parking lot of a far east side apartment complex as 32-year-old Stephen Hale.
The Amber Woods Apartments and Townhomes near 38th Street and Mitthoeffer Road, where Hale died Sunday morning, is unfortunately all too familiar with gun violence.
A resident, who did not want to give her name, said she heard the shots from inside her apartment.
"I've been out here 30-plus years and I am so ready to go,” the woman said. “Just last year, there was a shooting out here again and there was a body in my backyard. He was just laying there. I'm like, 'OK, I've had it.' It's just a little too close to home."
On Sept. 11, police found the body of Keontae Walls-Leonard in a car at Amber Woods. The 20-year-old man had been shot and killed. Police arrested 19-year-old Michael Owens in that case. In April, 6-year-old Billy Mack got ahold of a gun and shot and killed himself inside an apartment. His mother is charged with neglect.
IMPD responded Monday with the following statement:
“While this apartment complex has experienced tragedy of late, IMPD appreciates the cooperation of the residents and management for their help in bringing these cases to a resolution. We continue to work with our community partners and apartment management to prosecute and/or evict problem persons and tenants when criminal acts occur within this complex.”
Sunday marked at least the third shooting death at Amber Woods in 2023. Police tracking data shows almost 30 violent crime reports in the complex so far this year.
Police said a crowd of about 75 people were gathered in the parking lot when officers arrived Sunday morning. But they have not made any arrest or released any circumstances that led to the latest deadly shooting at Amber Woods.
Flaherty & Collins, the property management company that runs Amber Woods, shared the following statement with 13News late Monday:
"We're deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at Amber Woods due to gun violence, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones.
Our dedicated team is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure transparency and cooperation in their ongoing investigation. As we await further information, we remain committed to collaborating with authorities to address concerns and actionable steps to help reduce violence within the community.
We appreciate the support of our residents, staff, and the broader community during this challenging time."