Two 15-year-olds have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting in December at a gas station on Indianapolis’ near north side.
Desmond Perry Sr., 55, is missed by many, including his 17 children, several grandkids, and siblings.
“His death has devastated our family. Life isn’t the same. The victim’s daughter, Alexandria Perry, stated, “There’s a big empty hole.”
“I feel lost without my twin,” the victim’s twin sister, Demetria Kelso, stated.
Desmond Perry Sr. was killed on Saturday night, December 6, 2025.
Police believe the fatal gunshot resulted from an attempted robbery.
The victim was shot at a BP gas station on West 38th Street after two 15-year-olds allegedly attempted to rob him of a BB pistol. The 55-year-old victim died after being transported to a hospital.
Although two teenagers have been arrested, the victim’s relatives informed FOX59/CBS4 that just one of them fired the deadly shot.
They want the shooter punished as an adult.
“It’s senseless.” You wasted away your life for nothing, a BB pistol, or a piece of plastic. The victim’s son, Daechaun Copeland, stated, “You threw your life away over a piece of plastic.”
Less than three months after the murder, officers were called back to the same location for a non-fatal gunshot.
According to police reports, one of the 15-year-old suspects accused of the fatal shooting has also been arrested for aggravated violence.
“Regardless of the age, we have a responsibility to hold every person accountable for whatever crimes they commit, and we’re committed to that,” Tanya Terry, the IMPD chief, said.
While the arrests coincided with the announcement of a new adolescent violence reduction campaign by local leaders, Terry maintained that police need the assistance of parents to keep children from becoming criminals.
“Parents need to get involved, and if they need help, please reach out and ask,” Terry told the crowd.
“You are wasting your life out here. You people are children. Desmond had grandchildren their age,” explained Alexandria Perry.
Desmond’s family simply hopes that both children and parents will learn from their tragedy.
“You know I just encourage the youth to find programs to keep them off the streets,” Copeland claimed.
“Get an education. Do something with your life. The streets have nothing for you but death or jail,” Kelso stated.
Prosecutors said they will request that the teenage suspects be waived into adult court, but because they are both under the age of 16, their case will begin in juvenile court.
If you have any information concerning the crime, please contact Detective Steven Gray at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or Steve.Gray@indy.gov. Police believe no other suspects were involved. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or TIPS.