INCIDENT TYPE: Homicide Arrest
INCIDENT LOCATION: 500 S. Capitol Avenue
ASSIGNED DETECTIVE: Det. Christopher Higgins [email protected]
**Media inquiries must be made to the IMPD Public Affairs Office**
INDIANAPOLIS – On Wednesday March 8, 2023, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Homicide detectives arrested 25-year-old Elijah Hayes.
On Monday, March 6, 2023, just before 10:00 pm, IMPD Downtown District officers responded to the 500 block of S. Capitol Avenue on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived within minutes and located an adult male, identified as 35-year-old Donnie Sanders on the sidewalk near South Street and Missouri Street. Sanders sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound(s). Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived, and unfortunately, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
IMPD homicide detectives responded to the scene to begin their investigation.
The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner’s Office will be assisting and will determine the exact manner and cause of death.
Neither Lucas Oil Stadium nor the Indiana Convention Center was open to the public at the time of this incident. The incident occurred outside of both facilities.
Homicide detectives, working with our Violent Crimes Unit, identified and located the alleged suspect in this incident. After speaking with Hayes, detectives arrested him for murder in this homicide.
The Marion County Prosecutors office will review the case and make a final charging decision.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Christopher Higgins at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail him at [email protected]
**Media inquiries must be made to the IMPD Public Affairs Office**
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards. This release may be updated as more information becomes available. Information given via Crime Stoppers should be considered anonymous.
Arrests are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
A photo of Hayes is not available at this time.
Case# IP230021767
