Indianapolis, IN
Carmel woman cleared of aiding murder suspect accidentally released from Indy jail
3 things to know if you share information with Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana allows Indianapolis residents to share anonymous tips with law enforcement.
A Carmel woman had no idea her then-boyfriend was released from jail accidentally when she picked him up from Marion County’s Adult Detention Center last year, her attorney said.
Prosecutors have now dropped the criminal charge brought against 29-year-old Desiree Oliver.
“I’m glad the prosecutor’s office looked at the case again and dismissed it,” said defense attorney Scott DeVries. “It was the right thing to do.”
Oliver had been facing one count of assisting a criminal. The charge was brought against her during a saga involving the Marion County Sheriff’s Office accidentally releasing a murder suspect.
Kevin Mason, 29, was arrested in Indianapolis and being held to face charges in a 2021 murder case in Minnesota. He is accused of killing a 29-year-old man in a shooting after the funeral of a mutual friend, according to The Star Tribune in Minneapolis.
Mason was mistakenly released from the Adult Detention Center in Indianapolis on Sept. 13, 2023. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said a records-keeping error was to blame for his release.
Officials waited six days before informing the public of Mason’s release to use the time as a “tactical advantage” in keeping him from running underground, the sheriff’s office said.
Previous coverage: Murder suspect mistakenly released from Indianapolis jail captured by US Marshals
He had been picked up by Oliver shortly after his release. Investigators kept covert tabs on Oliver in hopes she would lead them to Mason, but later announced they believed Mason had left Indianapolis.
After Oliver picked Mason up, she brought him to a Walmart and purchased him a few items then dropped him off on the north side of Indianapolis at his request, Oliver’s attorney said.
“She didn’t let him go back to her house because she didn’t want trouble with someone who had just been arrested,” DeVries said. “It wasn’t until days later the sheriff’s office publicized the guy had been released by mistake. She had no idea he was a fugitive.”
More than a week after Mason was released, the sheriff’s office announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture as the manhunt continued.
Mason was eventually apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Sept. 27, 2023. He is currently in custody at the Hennepin County Jail in Minnesota with the murder charge brought against him pending, Hennepin County court records show.
The charge brought against Oliver was dismissed on April 4, with prosecutors citing “evidentiary problems” in their motion.
“I respect them for doing that, and they rightfully dismissed the case,” DeVries said.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.
Indianapolis, IN
Colts’ QB future could take unexpected turn with Daniel Jones
When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract during the NFL offseason, no one knew what to expect. Some felt that Jones could revitalize his career as the starter, while many others felt that he would end up being a backup behind former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson.
Jones quickly won the starting job during training camp and preseason action. He has looked the part of a franchise quarterback for the Colts this season.
Through his first 11 games with the team, the 28-year-old signal caller has completed 69.1 percent of his pass attempts for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also picked up 159 yards and five touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts.
Read more: Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes May Help Make NFL History on Thanksgiving
Due to his impressive play so far this season, the expectation has been that Indianapolis will reward him with a long-term contract. However, that might not end up being the case.
Over the last few weeks, the Jones magic has begun to slow. He hasn’t played bad football, but he has not been nearly as good as he was early in the season. That has led to some concern about investing too much into him.
His track record is also a potential concern. Jones received big-time money from the New York Giants a few years back. That move ended up being a massive mistake for the Giants and the Colts do not want to double down on the same mistake with the same player.
To that end, an unexpected turn has been suggested for Indianapolis.
James Boyd of The Athletic has shared his idea that Indianapolis doesn’t give Jones a huge long-term deal. Instead, he thinks that the Colts could franchise tag the quarterback.
“Jones has really struggled against the blitz lately after torching aggressive defenses earlier this year,” Boyd wrote. “Countering the blitz has never been his strong suit, and if Jones and the Colts are unable to find a solution for dealing with extra pressure, it’s worth questioning how much Indianapolis should invest in him long term, which is where the franchise tag could come in handy.”
Read more: Minnesota Vikings Emerge Again in Aaron Rodgers Speculation
Giving Jones the franchise tag instead of a lucrative long-term extension would give the franchise at least one more year to make a final decision. There is no need to rush a long-term decision.
There is no question that Jones could be the team’s future under center. But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in a situation like a monster quarterback contract extension.
Only time will tell, but the Jones situation could get interesting for Indianapolis. The Colts will have a tough decision to make when the 2025 season comes to an end.
For more on the Indianapolis Colts and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Indianapolis, IN
Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are investigating a shooting on the city’s east side that left one person in critical condition on Wednesday.
IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 2000 block of Kildare Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located a victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and reported to be in critical condition.
Police have not released information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Indianapolis, IN
Woman killed in Southside Indianapolis apartment shooting
INDIANAPOLIS — A 26-year-old woman was shot and killed at her Indianapolis apartment Monday night, in what family members say was domestic-related.
Police say Amanda S. Jones was killed at an apartment complex on the city’s south side while her 2-year-old daughter was home. The child was not injured during the incident.
WATCH FULL STORY BELOW
Woman killed in Southside Indianapolis apartment shooting
“I told her over and over that relationship’s not good for you. You gotta leave,” said Denaejah Ivy, Jones’ cousin.
While the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has not released a motive, police reports show officers had been called to the same address multiple times, including one call less than nine hours before Jones was killed.
In previous calls, Jones reported harassment, domestic disturbances and a protection order violation. Court records show a felony intimidation charge was filed but was ultimately dismissed.
“She filed multiple; she did multiple police reports. I was on the phone, actually, numerous times, and she told the police, ‘You’re not gonna do something till somebody’s dead.’ I heard her tell them that,” Ivy said.
“I feel like I lost a sister. I feel like I lost my everyday person, my everyday friend,” Ivy said.
WRTV
Danyette Smith, director of the Indy Champions with the Indy Public Safety Foundation, said survivors need to prioritize their safety.
“What we have to understand as a survivor, as an advocate, as someone who’s been doing this work for many years, we have to put us first, and that means choosing you and your children first,” Smith said.
Smith emphasized the importance of understanding protection order processes and ensuring accountability when those orders are violated, which may ultimately require leaving one’s home.
“You can’t let nobody else love you more than you love yourself, and I wish Amanda would have loved herself just a little bit more to walk away sooner,” Ivy said.
WRTV
Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Michal Dinnsen at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail the detective at Michal.Dinnsen@indy.gov.
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.
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Adam Schumes is the In Your Community reporter for East Side Indy. He joined WRTV in December of 2021. Adam has a passion for telling stories and giving people a voice they might not have had before. Share your story ideas and important issues with Adam by emailing him at adam.schumes@wrtv.com.
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