Indianapolis, IN – A 77-year-old grandmother was tragically found murdered in her home on Friday night, and an 18-year-old has been arrested in connection to the killing, according to the victim’s family and IMPD records.
The victim, Mary Sims, was found dead in her west side home, leading to the arrest of Zakii Dawson on a preliminary charge of murder. The arrest came after police responded to reports of a disturbance at the residence on Landola Lane. Officers discovered Sims unresponsive with undisclosed trauma.
Dawson, who was initially detained as a person of interest, has been described as a “friend of the family,” although the nature of his relationship with Sims has not been officially disclosed by IMPD. However, investigators have confirmed that Dawson and Sims were known to each other.
Disturbingly, IMPD reports show that officers had been called to Sims’ home twice in less than three weeks for disturbances involving Dawson, with the latest disturbance occurring just a day before Sims’ body was discovered.
Dawson is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday morning, as the investigation into the tragic murder continues. The arrest of an 18-year-old suspect in connection to the killing of a respected member of the community has left neighbors and family members reeling, as they seek justice for Sims and closure for themselves.