INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD detectives believe they know who shot a man whose body was found in a retention pond on the far west side of Indianapolis, but the shooter is not under arrest.
First responders found the body of 42-year-old James Moore III in the Berkshire Lakes neighborhood pond, near South Raceway Road and West Morris Street, around 10:30 a.m. Sunday. But police believe he was shot in the neighborhood around 4 a.m. Saturday.
Police first came to a house in the neighborhood early Saturday on a report of shots fired. His wife, Vinecia Moore, told 13News that James was in a dispute with another woman at the address when he was shot by a man who lives there.
James allegedly fled the scene. Police found his car and searched the area, even using a drone, but could not find him Saturday. His family says a trail of blood led to the pond where James' body was discovered Sunday morning.
"We were hoping we would find him differently,” said Lindsey Pierre, a cousin. “We would find him somewhere wounded or taken to the hospital. But unfortunately, we were met with his demise."
Police recovered a 9 mm handgun at the house, questioned the suspected shooter, consulted with the prosecutor's office, but made no arrest. Police said the prosecutor will review the case to decide if any charges are appropriate.
James' wife said her husband had flaws but didn't deserve to die this way.
"He has like 12 kids,” said Vinecia, who was married to James for 13 years. “How are we going to fill those shoes? Twelve kids without a father now. It's about them, not me. This could have been avoided.”
Although James' wife says he wasn't perfect, she's focusing on the legacy he left behind.
"He cared a lot about other people. He loved all his children. He's a mentor, coach, he's very loved in the community for what he does," Vinecia said.
As James' family tries to navigate grief, they also hope the answers will help them heal.
"Once the story develops, you will see where all the evidence comes out and comes clear. It wasn't what everyone thought it was," Pierre said.
"I just wish people get the help they need and stop letting emotions control their lives and hurt other people," Vinecia said.
The coroner has not released James' cause of death. Police could not provide information Monday on whether James fell into the pond after running from the scene, or his body was placed there.