A 14-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Brett Scrogham, a 23-year-old Indiana University Business School graduate, who was shot in an Indianapolis parking garage on May 28, 2026. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears announced his office has filed a petition to waive the case to adult court, a decision that will ultimately be made by a judge. The teen is facing charges of felony murder, armed robbery, and dangerous possession of a firearm.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
The suspect allegedly shot Scrogham while he was in his car, en route to an Indianapolis Indians Minor League baseball game. Police found Scrogham suffering from a gunshot wound inside his vehicle; he later died at the hospital. The teen was arrested on Wednesday, May 30, 2026, and has not been publicly named.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Official Statements and Reactions
IMPD Chief Tanya Terry expressed condolences, stating, "A young man lost his life, and another now faces allegations that will change his life forever." A friend of Scrogham’s, Seth Davis, described him as a "top 100 student" at IU Kelley School of Business, "well spoken, smart, loved Christ, incredibly kind," and recently employed as a property development analyst.
Legal Process and Charging Considerations
Under Indiana state law, prosecutors must file a petition to waive juvenile jurisdiction for a case to be tried in adult court. A judge will determine whether the teen will be tried as an adult or in juvenile court. The decision hinges on factors such as the severity of the crime and the suspect’s criminal history.
Broader Implications
The case has reignited debates over juvenile justice, particularly regarding the prosecution of minors in adult courts. Some advocates argue that adult charges deter future violence, while others contend that juvenile systems better address rehabilitation and long-term outcomes.