INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis police don’t believe there’s an ongoing threat to juveniles in the Castleton area – but weren’t ready to say yet whether they think a 13-year-old’s fatal shooting Saturday night was targeted or not.
Matthew McGee, 13, was found unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound shortly before 10 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of the Long John Silvers on 82nd Street.
McGee, an eighth grader at Belzer Middle School, was pronounced dead at the scene.
MORE | 13-year-old shot, killed outside Long John Silvers near Castleton Square Mall
RTV6 received numerous calls in the 24 hours after the shooting from parents concerned the incident may have been gang-related. IMPD said Monday it was too early in the investigation to make that determination.
Belzer Middle School Principal Andy Harsha issued a statement Monday after McGee was officially identified as the victim.
“Matthew’s Belzer family is devastated to learn this news and our hearts and prayers go out to his family following this tragic event,” Harsha wrote. “We are prepared to support our school community fully as they process and grieve this senseless loss of life.”
McGee is the youngest criminal homicide victim this year in Indianapolis, and one of seven murder victims under the age of 18. In total, 10 children under the age of 18 have been killed in criminal or accidental homicides since Jan. 1.
MAP | 2017 Indianapolis Homicides
The shooting comes less than two weeks after another teen, 15-year-old Joshua Lutrell, was shot and killed in the 3900 block of South Ewing Street.
A suspect in that case, 18-year-old Eric Morris, is in custody on a charge of murder.
If you have any information about McGee's shooting, you’re asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS. Your call may remain anonymous.
MORE FROM THE CRIME BEAT | The ‘Grundy Crew’ has a long history in Indianapolis. It may have caught up with them. | PC: Man murdered over missing drugs belonging to the ‘Mexican Mafia’ | Why are .40-calibers surging in Indy as crime guns? | Message written in blood leads IMPD to murder suspect | MAP: 2017 Indianapolis Homicides
