Indianapolis Teen Killed in North-Side Shooting as City Presses Prevention Efforts

Officials plan to fill a vacant violence-prevention leadership post to drive earlier interventions.

Overview

Police say two teenage boys were found shot on the 3800 block of Central Avenue, one inside a vehicle and the other nearby.
The Marion County Coroner identified the teen who died as 17-year-old Yonah Ben Jeffers-Telfair, and a second teen remains in critical condition.
IMPD reports that non-fatal shootings involving people 17 and under have fallen to 48 so far this year, compared with 63 in 2024 and 62 in 2023.
Deputy public safety official Tony Lopez says the city will prioritize prevention work, including hiring a new chief violence prevention officer after Ralph Durrett stepped down.
Community mentor Kareem Hines says many teens can obtain firearms within minutes and urges more visible, early engagement programs as police continue to seek tips through IMPD and Crime Stoppers.