Suspect Arrested and Charged in Connection to Indianapolis Double Homicide

Arrest Made in Indianapolis Double Homicide Case

Indianapolis police have taken a significant step forward in the investigation of the fatal stabbings of two women in the city, making an arrest in connection to the double homicide. David Hiner, 30, has been charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Shannon Lassere, 58, and Marianne Weis, 52. The bodies of the two women were found just days apart from each other, which had deeply unsettled the community.

Arrest and Charges

The arrest and charges were announced by Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, who detailed the allegations against Hiner in a news conference. This development comes as a relief to the community after the grim discoveries of Lassere's body on January 27 in a parking lot, and Weis's body on February 1 behind a business. Both victims had been fatally stabbed, with their bodies located within close proximity to each other on the city's far east side.

Police Statement

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department interim Chief Chris Bailey expressed the brutality and evil nature of the crimes, stating, "No one deserves what these two women experienced - no one." He confirmed that both women had courageously fought back against their assailant. Bailey also mentioned that Hiner had sustained injuries during the incidents, which ultimately led to his identification as a suspect.

Investigative Evidence

Authorities shared that surveillance footage from local businesses captured a man matching Hiner's description with one of the victims on the night of her murder. Additionally, blood found on a shoe recovered from the apartment where Hiner was staying matched the blood of both victims. According to Deputy Chief Kendall Adams of the police department's criminal investigations division, both women "died from multiple sharp force injuries."

Arrest and Case Progression

Hiner was apprehended on an unrelated probation violation and subsequently charged with murder. It was revealed that forensic testing and evidence seized during a search warrant played a crucial role in linking Hiner to the homicides. While investigators believe Hiner was acquainted with the second victim, Weis, they currently have no information indicating a connection between Hiner and Lassere. At present, no weapon has been recovered, and the motive behind the killings remains unknown.

Legal Proceedings

As of Friday night, Hiner was in custody, as confirmed by online jail records. However, online court records did not indicate legal representation for Hiner, and efforts to locate a contact associated with him proved unsuccessful. Chief Bailey emphasized that the case remains an active investigation, emphasizing, "There is still a lot of work to do in this case."

Continued Investigation

Officials stressed the ongoing efforts in bringing justice to the victims and their families. The arrest of Hiner marks a significant advancement in the case, but authorities are committed to fully unraveling the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Shannon Lassere and Marianne Weis.