Grand jury indicts man for murder after 2021 killing on Indy’s west side went unsolved for 3 years

INDIANAPOLIS — An accused killer is behind bars in Marion County after being arrested for a murder that went unsolved on Indy’s west side since 2021.

In February 2021 on Westbrook Avenue, a man returned home and found his roommate shot to death. For years, the murder of 27-year-old Ladon Perry went unsolved.

More than three and a half years later, Davante Howard has now been charged and arrested for murder and robbery.

“Our detectives work tirelessly and this just goes to show how hard they work and they never give up for victims in our community,” said IMPD officer Tommy Thompson.

The murder charges stem from a grand jury indictment.

The indictment against Howard claims the killing stemmed from the robbery of a rifle. However, because information given to a grand jury is private, most details about Howard’s arrest remain hidden from the public.

“The feds have been working on finding out how the suspect was purchasing guns illegally using straw buyers, so the feds don’t want their techniques to be shared with the general public,” said attorney Mario Massillamany.

Attorney Mario Massillamany isn’t connected to the case, but said if it goes to trial, grand jury evidence will have to be presented because the burden of proof remains the same as in any case charged by the prosecutor.

“In trial, those witnesses they may want to keep private will still have to testify,” said Massillamany.

Court records show Howard previously pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges in 2022 and was in federal prison over the last two years before being returned to Marion County on the murder charge this week.

The suspect is being held without bond pending trial. He’s due in court for an initial hearing on Wednesday.

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