INDIANAPOLIS — A man and woman are dead after an alleged murder-suicide Thursday night on the east side of Indianapolis.
The incident was reported around 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the 2900 block of North Mitthoefer Road, which is just south of East 30th Street.
Officers responded to a home on a report that two people had been shot. An IMPD spokesperson said a man and a woman were found shot in the garage. Juan C Perez Mendez, 51, who police believe shot the woman before shooting himself, was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner's office determined he died by suicide.
The woman, 47-year-old Claudia Perez Lopez, was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and the Marion County Coroner's Office later confirmed she died from her injuries and ruled her death a homicide.
"That's another victim, another individual that lost their life at the hands of someone else, someone they trusted," said Danyette Smith, director of Indy Champions.
Police said the couple's adult daughter told investigators the man and woman had been arguing since around 3 p.m. Thursday. She called police after hearing gunshots in the garage.
"Remembering that 911 call, hearing those gunshots, those are long-term traumas for the daughter," Smith said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call IMPD Det. Douglas Swails at 317-327-3475 or email him at Douglas.Swails@indy.gov. You can also call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana anonymously at 317-262-8477.
Smith said this incident is just one of several this year, and there have already been more domestic-related homicides than last year.
Domestic violence resources
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available.
The Domestic Violence Hotline is available for text, chats and phone calls. The number is 1-800-799-SAFE.
In Indianapolis, the Julian Center offers shelter, legal services, crisis intervention and youth services.
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence also maintains a list of domestic violence shelters and service providers across the state. You can find it here.
Indy Champions also has many local resources. For immediate help, you can call their hotline at 317-210-0866.