Indianapolis, Ind. — A 16-year-old has been identified as a suspect in two separate homicides in the city, raising concerns about youth involvement in violent crime. Dominique Sherman, already charged with a murder from last November, is now suspected of being involved in a previous shooting that occurred when he was just 15 years old.
Sherman made his initial appearance in adult court last week regarding the November 8 killing of 35-year-old Stephen Coach. According to court documents, the incident took place after Coach visited Sherman’s residence to exchange a watch for a gun. Investigators have gathered surveillance footage showing the two together shortly before the shooting, which reportedly captured moments after the incident as Sherman fled the scene in Coach’s vehicle.
Details surrounding the earlier shooting of 19-year-old Isaiah Booker reveal a similar pattern. Booker was killed on March 30 last year at the Carriage House East Apartments. Sherria Booker, the victim’s mother, reached out after learning of Sherman’s arrest, asserting that detectives have indicated that Sherman is considered a suspect in her son’s murder, based on video evidence.
“They said he was identified by family members, and they gave up his name, identified him on video or picture or whatever it was, and that’s how I knew,” said Booker, who claims she suspected Sherman long before the November incident. The ongoing investigations into both cases have prompted calls for more community engagement in solving the violence affecting local families.
Authorities confirmed that Sherman is believed to be responsible for both shootings, yet he has not been officially charged in connection to Booker’s death at this time. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department encourages anyone with information concerning the circumstances surrounding Booker’s murder to come forward. The department emphasized that community cooperation is vital in solving these violent crimes.
As the investigation continues, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has not issued a comment regarding the status of the investigation into Booker’s killing. Meanwhile, Sherman’s trial for Coach’s murder is scheduled to begin on March 23. Currently, he is being held without bond.
This case highlights the troubling trend of juvenile involvement in serious crimes, raising questions about how such incidents can be addressed in a more proactive manner to ensure community safety and support for families affected by violence.