{"id":1535,"date":"2026-06-10T13:48:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inhishands\/?p=1535"},"modified":"2026-06-10T13:48:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T17:48:33","slug":"indiana-university-graduate-killed-in-parking-garage-while-heading-to-meet-his-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inhishands\/2026\/06\/indiana-university-graduate-killed-in-parking-garage-while-heading-to-meet-his-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Indiana University Graduate Killed in Parking Garage While Heading to Meet His Parents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kelley School of Business | Inset: Stephanie L Sanchez \/ Shutterstock.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Indiana University graduate Brett Scrogham was fatally shot inside a downtown Indianapolis parking garage while on his way to meet his parents for a baseball game, a shocking tragedy that police now say may have stemmed from an attempted robbery or carjacking.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old was killed May 28 near the Indiana Convention Center, just weeks after graduating from Indiana University\u2019s prestigious Kelley School of Business as a top-100 student. Family members said Scrogham was heading to meet his parents for an Indianapolis Indians baseball game when he was gunned down.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police announced Wednesday that a 14-year-old suspect had been arrested in connection with the shooting. Because of the suspect\u2019s age, authorities have not publicly identified him.<\/p>\n

Police said investigators believe the deadly encounter may have stemmed from an attempted armed robbery or carjacking. The shooting occurred on the third floor of the garage as Scrogham was walking to meet his parents before the game.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile today\u2019s arrest is significant, my heart breaks for everyone impacted by this tragedy. A young man lost his life, and another now faces allegations that will change his life forever,\u201d IMPD Chief Tanya Terry said following the arrest.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile today\u2019s announcement marks an important step forward in this investigation, it cannot heal or ease the pain felt by Mr. Scrogham\u2019s family, friends, and loved ones,\u201d Terry added. \u201cThis case is a tragic reminder that a single act of violence can alter countless lives in an instant.\u201d<\/p>\n

Terry said detectives believe the shooting was likely a random act of violence involving two strangers who did not know each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m frustrated and disheartened to tell you the person we believe is responsible is a 14-year-old child. Let that sink in,\u201d Terry told Fox 59.<\/p>\n

According to police, the suspect was identified through surveillance footage, witness interviews, and additional investigative leads gathered in the weeks following the shooting. Authorities said the teen was taken into custody without incident.<\/p>\n

The suspect is currently being held without bond while detectives work with the Marion County Prosecutor\u2019s Office to determine formal charges. The case will initially proceed through juvenile court, though prosecutors could seek to have the suspect charged as an adult depending on the outcome of the investigation.<\/p>\n

Scrogham\u2019s death has deeply impacted both the Indiana University community and those who knew him through his Christian faith and leadership.<\/p>\n

Friends and family described him as deeply committed to his faith, compassionate toward others, and filled with potential.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was about to change the world. I truly, truly, mean that,\u201d close family friend Dwayne Sawyer previously told WRTV. \u201cBrett was that spark; he had that x-factor, if you will.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sawyer, who knew the Scrogham family through the Christian Communicators of America speech and debate league, described Brett as \u201can intelligent, articulate, young Christian man\u201d who was \u201cdestined for greatness.\u201d<\/p>\n

Indiana Sen. Jim Banks also honored Scrogham on the Senate floor, calling him \u201ca God-fearing Christian man\u201d who was always willing to help others.<\/p>\n

Following the arrest, Banks renewed concerns about violent crime in Indianapolis and argued that city leaders must take stronger action to protect communities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we keep making excuses for why we can\u2019t enforce the law and keep violent criminals in prison, we will never have safe neighborhoods and communities \u2014 and innocent people like Brett will continue to pay the price,\u201d Banks said.<\/p>\n

Chief Terry also delivered a strong message to parents and young people across the city, urging adults to take a more active role in preventing youth violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are not entitled to other people\u2019s property. We will hold you accountable,\u201d Terry said. \u201cParenting is not passive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re a parent and need help with your kids, it\u2019s your responsibility to ask for some help,\u201d she continued. \u201cBe nosy. Be involved. Ask questions.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the investigation continues, loved ones are remembering Scrogham not simply for the tragic way he died, but for the faith, kindness, and promise that defined his life.<\/p>\n

Lord, bring comfort and peace to Brett Scrogham\u2019s family and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. May Your presence surround them with strength, healing, and hope. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Indiana University graduate Brett Scrogham was fatally shot inside a downtown Indianapolis parking garage while on his way to meet his parents for a baseball game, a shocking tragedy that police now say may have stemmed from an attempted robbery or carjacking. The 23-year-old was killed May 28 near the Indiana Convention Center, just weeks…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":462,"featured_media":1538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1535","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nIndiana University Graduate Killed in Parking Garage While Heading to Meet His Parents<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Indiana University graduate Brett Scrogham, 23, is being remembered for his Christian faith after a deadly Indianapolis shooting.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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