Metro police spoke with four persons of interest as they continue to investigate the murder of an Indianapolis mother.
In a statement Thursday, IMPD said, "Investigators continue to follow up on all investigative leads in the murder of Amanda Blackburn. We continue to talk with individuals who may have some knowledge of the case."
One of the people interrogated by police Thursday, 21-year-old Jalen Watson, was arrested on a parole violation after he spoke with police.
Blackburn was found shot in the head inside her home a week ago last Tuesday in what police believe was an attempted burglary. She died the next day from her injuries, leaving behind her husband, Pastor Davey Blackburn with the Resonate Church, and a young son. Amanda Blackburn was about 12 weeks pregnant with the couple's daughter.
Police believe the murder came after a second burglary in the northwest Indianapolis subdivision. Eyewitness News has learned someone used one of the 28-year-old mother's bank cards at a gas station at W. 71st Street and Michigan Road. There is also surveillance video from an ATM of someone using Amanda's bank card.
Crime scene investigators processed the Blackburns' home for evidence twice.
"To the individual who committed this crime, you are not as good as you think you are...got away with it, but you left something behind and we will find you, we are coming to get you," IMPD Asst. Commander Eric Hench said at a news conference last week.
Although it hasn't been confirmed by IMPD, several sources close to the investigation say DNA evidence could play a major role in identifying Amanda's killer. Eyewitness News has learned that during the burglary, Amanda Blackburn not only put up a fight, but tragically, was also sexually assaulted.
The Blackburns' neighbors in the Woods of North Kessler welcomed the news that detectives were making progress. While many neighbors remain anxious, they say every step forward by detectives is a step in the right direction.
"Days can feel like weeks at times, but we're patient and we're going to see this through and we have a lot of energy to see this through," said neighborhood crime watch captain Ryan McConnell. "But we're excited to hear anything, but we try not to get ahead of ourselves, too, because it's not just this case we're concerned about, we're concerned about the future of our city as well."
McConnell repeatedly praised IMPD and the work of the homicide unit in working to solve the case. He says this horrific situation has made a tight neighborhood even tighter and more determined to fight crime.
No arrests have been made in the case.
