Lack of cooperation from witnesses complicates investigation into fatal shooting in Lawrence

LAWRENCE, Indiana — A man was killed in a shooting at a Lawrence apartment complex Tuesday night. Investigators say a lack of cooperation from witnesses has made it difficult to identify the killer in the case. Now they are asking the public for help.

Shortly before 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Lawrence police were called to 46^th and Shadeland, where they found Lee Boyd Jr. shot in the head. The 24-year-old died at a local hospital on Wednesday.

The reason for the violence remains a mystery.

“We don’t know a motive yet. Investigators are working on it,” said Lawrence Deputy Police Chief Travis Cline.

Lawrence police believe a large group of people witnessed the shooting behind the Shadeland Terrace Townhomes, where the victim reportedly lived.

After the shooting, everyone dispersed and did not wait to speak to the police.

“Several people fled the scene. It was a large group. We had officers out searching for the incidents but were unable to locate anyone we believe was involved,” Cline said.

Video cameras from a neighboring pest control company reportedly showed the victim sitting alone on a wooden staircase before getting into some sort of argument that quickly escalated into gunfire.

“Try to avoid confrontation. There will always be conflict between people, but we have to stop resorting to gun violence so quickly,” Cline said.

Although police have launched surveillance for possible witnesses and suspects, they are urging anyone who was in the area on Tuesday evening to come forward as detectives cannot solve the crime alone.

“Just speak up. We need the public’s help, so just speak up. You can do it anonymously or call us,” Cline said.

Since no arrests have been made, anyone with information about this case is asked to call Lawrence Police at 37-545-7575 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.