INDIANAPOLIS- IMPD Detectives arrested 34-year-old Deonta Nelson for his alleged role in the murder of 27-year-old Emily Willis.
On Monday, August 28, 2023, at approximately 9:00 pm, IMPD East District officers were dispatched to E. New York St and N. Rural St on a report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located an adult female, later identified as Emily Willis, on the sidewalk at 200 N. Rural St., with injuries consistent with a gunshot wound(s). IEMS arrived and transported Willis to Methodist Hospital in critical condition. She was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Homicide detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation. Detectives learned the female was involved in a disturbance just prior to the incident and was walking when shots were fired. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence.
The investigation continued, using various investigative techniques and modern-policing technology including License Plate Readers, detectives were able to identify the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was located, and investigators identified Deonta Nelson as the alleged suspect in this case.
Thanks to the assistance of IMPD Southeast District officers and IMPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics team, Nelson was located on September 1, 2023. He was arrested for murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
An arrest is merely an accusation. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decisions. The individual should be considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective James Hurt 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**
Case# IP230085051
