Following an investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office filed murder charges today against 30-year-old David Hiner for his alleged role in the murders of 58-year-old Shannon Lassere and 52-year-old Marianne Weis.
IMPD began investigating the murder of Shannon Lassere at 2200 N Mitthofer Road on Saturday, January 27th and the murder of Marianne Weis at 2100 N Mitthoefer Road on Thursday, February 1. Both of these incidents occurred within days of one another, both victims were white females in their 50’s and the Marion County Coroner’s Office determined both were killed by multiple sharp force injuries. Additionally, the two women were located between 2100 and 2200 blocks of N Mitthoefer Road and each victim had ties to the far east side.
IMPD detectives and Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency technicians got to work quickly and prioritized these investigations. Detectives with the digital forensic unit collected video a significant amount of video from businesses in the area. Multiple videos showed a male and one of the women together on the night the women were killed.
On Tuesday, February 6, detectives with IMPD’s Human Trafficking and Vice Unit canvassed various parts of the east side looking for then unidentified male and located an individual they believed was the person in the video. This individual was identified as the suspect in this case. Detectives were able to get him to speak with homicide detectives.
IMPD homicide detectives conducted a search warrant on Wednesday, February 7, at the apartment where the suspect had been staying in the 2200 block of Harbor Dr. Detectives located shoes in the suspect’s apartment that appeared to have dried blood on them. The shoes were sent to the lab for expedited DNA analysis. Detectives also located jeans soaking in bleach in a bucket in the bathtub.
Detectives learned the suspect was on probation out of La Porte County (Indiana). Detectives needed additional time for DNA results before an arrest could be made. They contacted La Porte County probation who filed a probation violation and warrant was issued for his arrest. The suspect has remained in custody since then.
Preliminary DNA analysis of blood from the suspect’s shoes matched with blood of both victims.
Detectives are continuing to investigate this case. While an arrest has been made there is a lot of work yet to do. If anyone in the community has additional information, they are encouraged to contact IMPD homicide Detective Ryan Clark.
Detectives worked with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office throughout the investigation and on February 9, 2024, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office charged the suspect with two counts of murder. Charges are merely accusations and he should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
“Today, we've taken the next step toward justice for Shannon and Marianne and those impacted by these horrific acts," said IMPD Acting Chief Christopher Bailey. "I want to express my gratitude to our community for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this investigation. I also want to recognize the relentless efforts of the IMPD officers and detectives on this case, and our criminal justice partners. Their commitment, expertise, and tireless work have been instrumental in bringing closure to this case and ensuring the safety of our community."
“I commend the efforts of IMPD, our deputy prosecutors, and the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency— the collaboration between agencies has been around the clock since January 27 and will continue as the investigation is ongoing,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “Today is the first step toward justice for the victims and their families, and we will continue to support them in their time of need as they try to move forward from these unthinkable tragedies.”
"I'm proud of the investigators whose quick work has brought us one step closer to justice for the victims and their families in this case," said Mayor Joe Hogsett. "I commend the collaborative efforts of our city's law enforcement agencies and the community members who stepped up to help."
Anyone with information on this case can contact Detective Ryan Clark at 317-327-3475 or [email protected]. Media inquiries should be sent to [email protected].
