INDIANAPOLIS — Those driving to their homes on Leland Avenue on the afternoon of Sept. 30 were greeted by the Marion County coroner and police.
Investigators could be seen in the backyard of a home in the neighborhood near the intersection of 34th Street and Emerson Avenue taking pictures and collecting evidence near a decomposing body.
A month earlier, neighbors found a similar scene at the same home. That time, IMPD says they found a man shot to death in his truck.
13News reporter Chase Houle asked IMPD Ofc. Tommy Thompson if it's possible investigators may have missed the body when investigating that deadly shooting in August.
"Based on the investigation you're referencing, the previous investigation at this location, that is not a possibility and that has been taken out of any realm of possibilities, thankfully," said Thompson.
Neighbors in the area say no one has lived in the house for years. Well, besides those living there illegally. They say even with the boarded up windows and the padlocked front door, people still make their way inside.
But who owns the home?
According to property records, it is owned an LLC based in New York City.
"I'm sure the community does see those types of instances where the landholders may not reside in this state, but that's not illegal and, again, we ask that if you see any individuals on site that shouldn't be there, you contact the IMPD so we can make sure those individuals are removed that any action is necessary is taken," said Thompson.
And while all properties being managed from out-of-state landlords aren't always a problem, IMPD does say they've responded to this home several times in the last year.
The Bureau of Nuisance Abatement says its workers have, too. Beyond complaints about high grass, the bureau was called on Aug. 5 after a person reported to the Mayor's Action Center that the front door to the home had been kicked in. After the owner was notified, the bureau says a compliance check on Aug. 21 showed the owner had boarded up and secured the property.
Whether you're on Leland Avenue or somewhere else in the city dealing with a vacant or unsafe building, IMPD says residents can report it to the city's unsafe building program.
At this hour police haven't arrested anyone in this latest investigation. IMPD is asking for the community's help in finding the shooter. If you have any leads, you're asked to please call IMPD.
