Indianapolis, IN – A quiet Thursday evening in Irvington was shattered when an attempted robbery inside a local clothing store ended in two deaths, including a 68-year-old woman who was shot inside the boutique.
A heavy police presence filled East Washington Street after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to a reported shooting around 6:45 p.m. on December 4. Officers arrived to find Terri Lee Heady, 68, suffering from gunshot wounds inside Josephine’s, a women’s clothing store located at 5620 E. Washington St. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to IMPD East District Cmdr. Mike Leepper, early evidence indicates the shooting may have stemmed from a botched robbery attempt. Witness statements and scene details led officers to identify a male suspect who had fled moments after the gunfire.
Authorities confirmed the suspect as Terry E. Morgan, 58. Officers located Morgan hiding behind a tree in the 30 block of North Layman Street, only a short distance from the store. Police began communicating in an effort to take him into custody without force. Moments later, Morgan turned the gun on himself and fired.
Morgan was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died. The Marion County Coroner ruled his death an apparent suicide.
Cmdr. Leepper emphasized that no officers fired their weapons during the encounter.
Community Shock and Reaction
The killing of a well-known local shopper and community member sent shockwaves across Irvington. Many residents were out participating in local holiday events at the time of the shooting, adding to the grief and disbelief.
City-County Councilor Andy Nielsen released a statement expressing sorrow for the community’s loss and gratitude for IMPD’s ongoing investigative efforts.
Nearby restaurant Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza, located in the same building as Josephine’s, also addressed the tragedy in a public post, writing that their thoughts were with “the individuals and families affected.”
By the next morning, a wreath stood outside Josephine’s front door. Attached was a note reading: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” The arrangement came from George Thomas, another Irvington business, on behalf of the Irvington Business Association.
Josephine’s Announces Closure and Community Support Efforts
On Friday, Dec. 5, Josephine’s announced it would remain closed indefinitely as the community grieves. The store owner shared a heartfelt message, noting that during the neighborhood’s planned Holiday Open House, all participating businesses would hold a moment of silence at 7 p.m. to honor the victim.
The owner also confirmed that donation jars will be placed at various Irvington businesses to support Heady’s family with funeral expenses or any needs they choose.
Ongoing Investigation
IMPD continues piecing together the timeline and circumstances leading up to the attempted robbery and deadly shooting. Cmdr. Leepper confirmed that investigators believe Morgan was directly connected to the incident, although the full motive remains under review.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward.
How to Provide Information
Those with relevant details can contact Detective Christopher Williams at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or via email at Christopher.Williams4@indy.gov.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
Community Reflection
The shooting has renewed discussions in Irvington about safety, small business vulnerability, and support for families affected by violent crime. As the neighborhood prepares for the holiday season, many residents say the tragedy underscores the importance of solidarity and vigilance.
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