Anderson, Indiana — A woman is in police custody after her 17-year-old daughter was fatally shot early Sunday morning inside a home on the west side of Anderson, according to local authorities. Investigators say preliminary evidence indicates the teen’s mother fired the gun, though the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Early Morning Shooting Prompts Police Response
Officers with the Anderson Police Department responded to a reported shooting at a residence in the 2600 block of West 38th Street, near Raible Avenue, at approximately 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28. Dispatchers received a call indicating that a female inside the home had been shot.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a 17-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound. Police immediately began rendering life-saving aid while awaiting emergency medical personnel.
Teen Transported to Hospital, Later Dies
Emergency responders transported the injured teen to a nearby hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, authorities confirmed that she later died from her injuries.
Police have not released the teen’s name, citing her age and the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Mother Allegedly Fired the Weapon
According to police, preliminary information gathered at the scene suggests that the teen’s mother discharged the firearm. The woman was taken into custody and remains held by police as detectives work to determine exactly what led up to the shooting.
At this time, officials have not announced formal charges, nor have they released details about the type of firearm involved.
Witnesses Report No Prior Disturbance
Investigators said multiple witnesses were present inside the home at the time of the incident. Those individuals reportedly told police they did not recall any argument, altercation, or disturbance before the gunshot was heard.
Witnesses stated they were asleep and were awakened by the sound of the firearm being discharged. Their accounts are considered a key part of the ongoing investigation.
Criminal Investigations Division Leading Case
The Anderson Police Department Criminal Investigations Division has taken over the case and continues to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and analyze the scene. Detectives are working to determine whether the shooting was accidental or intentional and what events may have unfolded in the moments before the gun was fired.
Police have not indicated whether the firearm was legally owned or how it was stored inside the home.
Community Shocked by Tragedy
The incident has left the Anderson community shaken, particularly due to the involvement of a parent and the loss of a teenager. Neighbors in the area described the neighborhood as typically quiet, making the early-morning police presence all the more alarming.
Fatal domestic shootings involving minors are rare but deeply impactful, often prompting renewed conversations around firearm safety, secure storage, and crisis intervention within families.
Gun Safety and Prevention Context
Law enforcement and public safety experts consistently stress the importance of safe firearm storage, especially in homes with children or teenagers. This includes keeping guns unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition.
Authorities also encourage families experiencing stress, conflict, or mental health challenges to seek support services before situations escalate into irreversible tragedies.
Investigation Ongoing
Police emphasized that the case remains active and ongoing, and additional details — including potential charges — will be released as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information relevant to the incident is urged to contact local law enforcement.
As investigators work to piece together the events of that morning, the focus remains on determining accountability and understanding how a young life was lost inside her own home.
Share your thoughts or experiences related to community safety and family awareness in the comments below.
