INDIANAPOLIS — Court documents have revealed what led up to the homicide of a woman found on Indy's east side Friday.
According to records from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Shawnnetta Small was found dead in a home on Downey Avenue following an altercation with her male roommate.
IMPD was dispatched around 8 p.m. after Small called 911, stating she had been assaulted and that her roommate might be armed.
When officers arrived, they ordered the occupants out of the house and began a search for Small. They discovered her in a bedroom with multiple stab wounds and evidence suggesting a gun was also involved, including an extended firearm magazine and a box cutter found in the vicinity. Despite immediate medical assistance, Small was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tensions allegedly escalated earlier that evening, leading to an altercation in which Small reportedly threw feces at her roommate during an argument. Following this, loud noises were heard by witnesses in the residence.
The roommate was seen leaving the home in a silver Audi but returned shortly after police arrived. He was taken into custody for questioning after initially downplaying any issues with Small.
Subsequent interviews revealed a history of confrontations, including threats made by Small against him.
A forensic examination showed that Small suffered a gunshot wound to her chest and significant trauma to her neck.
The roommate has been arrested for murder.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Christopher Winter at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or via email at Christopher.Winter@indy.gov.
