INDIANAPOLIS -- A double shooting that left a man and woman dead in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood on Indy's north side has been ruled a murder-suicide.
Late Monday morning, just before 12 p.m., deputy constables with Washington Township were outside a home on West 38th Street preparing to evict the tenant when they heard two gunshots.
The constables rushed inside and found a man and woman shot to death in a bedroom.
Court records show an eviction claim was filed against the tenant in October.
Last week, the man who lived at the home wrote a note to the judge asking for more time to move out.
The violence took place the same day a Washington Township judge issued an order denying an extension of an eviction notice against the home's tenant.
Domestic violence awareness advocates said the tragedy is a reminder to everyone to reach out for help if they're feeling stressed over the holidays.
"Speak to someone, talk to someone, because there may be a resource that may prevent you from doing those things," said Danyette Smith with Indy Champions. "Reach out for help because there are trained people who can walk with you on that journey."
"There are a lot of resources out there for folks who are feeling stressed to reach out and get help," said Kelly McBride with the Domestic Violence Network.
McBride said monitoring your mental health over the holidays is important because research around the country shows that the risk of domestic violence rises during times of stress.
That includes the holiday season, when financial strains of the holidays coupled with higher utility bills and more time indoors, can cause existing mental health issues to escalate.
it's also important to watch out for signs of trouble among friends and family.
"Don't tell them what to do, but check in and ask, 'How are you? What can I do to support you?' I know it feels scary and isolating, but there are resources available," said McBride.
Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Jeremy Ingram at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or e-mail the detective at Jeremy.Ingram@indy.gov.
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.
Anyone who needs helps finding or connecting to social resources can contact 211 for more information.
