INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Coroner's Office confirmed the identity of a person found dead from a gunshot wound is the same person who was reported missing by IMPD.
According to IMPD, 59-year-old James Hiner had initially gone missing Saturday, Aug. 19 in the 3200 block of North Pennsylvania Street, near North Meridian and East 32nd streets, on the city's north side.
Police asked for help finding him on Aug. 25 and posted on social media that he was located Sept. 1.
"Detectives want to thank the community for their assistance in this case," IMPD posted on social media.
Around 2 p.m. on Aug. 25, officers responded to the 2900 block of Indianapolis Avenue, near West 29th Street, for a report of a body found next to a garage.
Officers located what police believe was a man next to a garage of an occupied house. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
After inspection by the coroner, detectives learned the victim had a gunshot wound.
On Aug. 31, the Marion County Coroner's Office identified the man as 59-year-old James Russell Hiner.
Amber Alert vs. Silver Alert: What's the difference?
There are specific standards a person's disappearance must meet in order for police to declare an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert.
Amber Alerts are for children under the age of 18 who are believed to have been abducted and in danger. Police also need to have information about a suspect and their car to issue an Amber Alert.
Silver Alerts are for missing and endangered adults or children. They are much more common for missing people. It was not until last year when the standards for Silver Alerts were expanded to include children.
In both situations, these alerts must be issued by police.
