CUMBERLAND — The recent shooting death of a 12-year-old boy in Cumberland has been ruled a homicide following an autopsy.
Last Friday, officers from the Cumberland Metropolitan Police Department responded to a shooting in the 11500 block of Dunshire Drive shortly after 1:00 a.m. When they arrived, they found 12-year-old Jeremiah Cotton with a gunshot wound. He was taken to Riley Hospital, where he later died.
During the investigation, police interviewed four witnesses, aged 15 to 18, who were inside the home at the time. Initially, the witnesses claimed that Jeremiah accidentally shot himself. However, an examination at the Marion County Coroner’s Office concluded that Jeremiah could not have caused the injury himself, leading to the case being classified as a homicide.
Detectives are collaborating with the Marion County Forensic Services Agency to test the evidence collected and are working with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO). The case has not yet been formally presented to the MCPO, which will decide on any potential charges once it receives the case.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cumberland Metropolitan Police Department at (317) 894-3525 or via email at CMPDInvestigations@Cumberland.in.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers of Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS.
