Indianapolis, IN
Man killed in random downtown attack beloved member of Indianapolis Convention Center staff
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.
Alan Gosnell’s last day on Earth started like most others during the past seven years.
He was working his noon to 8 p.m. shift as a foreman of the sound and light division at the Indianapolis Convention Center. On Sept 11, 2024, he was scheduled to complete additional maintenance and cleaning jobs as the convention center’s team was putting on the final touches for the Indiana Wellness Summit expected to start the following day.
Nearing the end of the day, he had completed much of his work and decided to take a break inside the sound and light division office with a coworker.
This is where Gosnell first encountered Brian Fulton.
Gosnell didn’t know Fulton, according to court documents, and when Fulton approached the office, Gosnell did not interact or speak with him, witnesses told police.
The man walked away before Gosnell left the office to check on equipment in the area. That’s when the attack happened. Inside a hallway on the second floor of the convention center, Gosnell would draw his last breath.
Fulton was primarily charged with murder, but as of Monday, he had not formally been charged.
This unwarranted attack left many in the city questioning downtown’s safety, but more importantly, it has left Gosnell’s family with heartbreaking questions that may never receive answers.
Who was Alan Gosnell?
To many, Gosnell was known as “Big Al,” a kind man who would help anyone.
“I don’t know why this guy would do something (to him),” said John Gosnell. “My brother would never do anything to hurt anybody… He was just a big Teddy Bear.”
There were only a few things in this world that Alan Gosnell loved more than his passion for audio and lighting visuals and that was his family.
He would take any opportunity allotted to him to share stories about his grandchild and how excited he was to meet his next grandchild due later this year.
That opportunity was stolen.
Indiana Convention Center attack
Many in the community are still trying to understand what motivated Fulton to allegedly kill Gosnell inside the Indianapolis Convention Center on Sept. 11, 2024.
An employee of the convention center told police that Fulton approached her acting “weird” and kept referencing the roof. Unsure of what Fulton was asking, she led him to the light and sound office.
Fulton continued asking nonsensical questions about the roof before leaving the doorway, according to court documents. Then Gosnell left the office to check the equipment.
Soon after multiple people heard Gosnell screaming for Fulton to stop attacking him, according to court documents.
Witnesses saw Gosnell being beaten before he was strangled with “some kind of phone charge cable,” according to court documents.
“He got what he deserved,” a witness heard Fulton say before leaving the Indiana Convention Center, perplexing those who know him.
“Such a tragedy, I worked with (Gosnell) at the Indiana Convention Center, he was a very nice guy, such a senseless killing,” Bernadette Billerman-Mooney said on social media.
Police detained Fulton about two blocks from the convention center.
After being arrested, Fulton told detectives he was military and CIA and “had just neutralized an international terrorist nuclear threat.” When asked to elaborate on his statement, Fulton told detectives he would not say more and wanted a lawyer.
‘He was a one-of-a-kind person’
After reading about how his brother was killed, John Gosnell could not understand why Fulton would do this to his brother.
Unlike other family members who served in the military, Alan Gosnell followed his passion for audio and visual arts early in life and decided to go to college.
Gosnell moved to Arizona and attended Phoenix Institute of Technology as a young adult, where he learned the ins and outs of being an audio and visual stagehand.
He followed his passion for nearly three decades and traveled the country as a stagehand operating the lighting and audio for countless monster truck shows and worked with Markey’s an Indianapolis audiovisual equipment rental service before joining the convention center staff.
“He was a one-of-a-kind person,” John Gosnell said.
Everyone knew Gosnell as ‘Big Al’, many believed it was due to his size, but his brother revealed that the nickname stemmed from a childhood joke.
“When we were growing up he was about 5 foot 4 and weighed about 110 pounds,” his brother said. “We called him ‘Big Al’ because it was kind of an opposite thing. And then in his senior year, he grew to 5 foot 11.”
Growing up Alan Gosnell loved Indiana University basketball and followed Notre Dame football religiously. But after his son started attending Purdue University, he grew to love the Boilermakers.
Beyond his immediate family, many of his fellow union workers and members of his stagehand family shared the devastation of Gosnell’s death.
“Al Gosnell, a beloved employee of the Capital Improvement Board, lost his life … in a senseless act of violence. Al worked with us for more than 10 years and was a great friend to his colleagues. Our CIB family mourns his loss, and we hold his family in our hearts,” said Monica Brase, spokesperson for the Indiana Convention Center.
The killing raised questions among residents about the safety of downtown Indianapolis and security at the Convention Center, which draws people to the city year-round.
Andy Mallon, executive director of the Indianapolis’s Capital Improvement Board, addressed security concerns at last Thursday’s City-County Council committee meeting.
At the time Gosnell was killed the convention center had 24-hour security in place and a uniformed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer was on the same floor, Mallon said.
Still, Mallon said he appreciated being “held accountable” and would review what more could be done to increase safety at the Convention Center.
Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com.
Indianapolis, IN
Crews treating Indianapolis roads overnight for upcoming snowstorm
How drivers can prepare for bad winter weather
This video offers tips from the Indianapolis Department of Transportation to help drivers navigate bad winter weather conditions.
With the National Weather Service announcing a Winter Storm Warning for much of Central and Northern Indiana this holiday weekend, Indianapolis transportation officials have released their preparation plans.
The NWS forecast calls for 1 to 6 inches of snow Nov. 29 in the Indianapolis metro area, with the least snow expected south of Interstate 70 and amounts increasing northward.
In anticipation of snow starting Saturday morning, the Indianapolis Department of Public Works announced it will treat roads starting Friday, Nov. 28.
At 11 p.m., AFSCME Local #725 crews will begin their 12-hour shifts monitoring and preparing roads throughout the city. As snow begins to fall, crews will focus on prioritizing and clearing one-way roads, bridge overpasses, thoroughfares and streets abutting hospitals and fire stations.
Starting at about midnight, the Indiana Department of Transportation will have a few crews preparing roads and highways throughout Indianapolis, with additional crews tackling highways outside of Indianapolis starting at 4 a.m.
Once the snow begins to fall, INDOT will send its full crew out to treat and service roads and highways across Indianapolis and Indiana.
“It takes about 2 to 3 hours for our plows to complete their routes and they usually travel about 25 miles an hour,” said Jordan Yaney, public relations director for INDOT East Central district.
“We just want to remind people that just because they don’t see a plow in their 10-minute drive, it doesn’t mean we’re not out.”
INDOT also recommends that drivers provide enough space, which is about 600 feet or more, between vehicles while traveling on icy roads.
Get your abandoned vehicle before the snowstorm
In preparation for the upcoming snowstorm, the Indiana State Police announced it will tow all abandoned vehicles in Indianapolis that the department considers a road hazard.
People whose cars have been towed can visit the Indianapolis government “towed vehicle” webpage to find their vehicle, or at www.indy.gov/activity/dbns-tow-programs.
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works also shares updates about Marion County road conditions on its X page.
Live Indianapolis, Indiana weather radar
You can also check the NWS Indianapolis page on X, formerly Twitter, for updates about the weather.
A travel advisory is the lowest level of local travel advisory.
“Routine travel or activities may be restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas,” according IN.gov.
A travel watch means that conditions are threatening to the public so only essential travel is recommended. A travel warning means that unless you are in emergency management, you are recommended to be off the roads.
Is there snow on the ground? How to see if your Indianapolis street has been plowed
Driving in Indianapolis? Check out this live traffic map, per Waze
Drivers can use a free live traffic map from Waze to navigate Indianapolis. The navigation app from Waze provides traffic updates, road condition information and offers directions.
Safe driving tips for snow and ice
Staying safe on Indiana’s roads during a winter storm can depend largely on how well you’re prepared. The Indiana Department of Transportation offers these tips:
- Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, “Ice and Snow, Take it Slow,” or just don’t go.
- Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
- Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
- Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
- Kit: Keep a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots, and a first-aid kit. Load your car with winter travel gear, including tire chains, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, and road flares.
Weather info you need
🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.
⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.
💻 Internet outages: How to track them.
🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.
🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.
Where to report power outages and downed lines
- AES Indiana customers: 317-261-8111
- Duke Energy customers: 1-800-343-3525
Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions
Check road conditions, including road closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana’s online Trafficwise map at 511in.org, or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more.
INDOT’s CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana’s highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays.
The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers.
Katie Wiseman is a trending news reporter for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
Indianapolis, IN
6-year-old boy dies following accidental shooting, IMPD says
Man and woman found shot inside home after Thanksgiving house fire
A man and woman are dead after being found shot inside a home during a house fire on Thanksgiving morning in the 3700 block of Audubon Road.
A 6-year-old boy is dead after accidentally shooting himself with a relative’s handgun, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed.
At 4:09 p.m., on Nov. 27, officers were called to a home in the 5200 block of Corgan Way on the city’s southwest side. Officers found the boy shot, and he was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but later died.
“Your heart just sinks. We just have to do better. We cannot allow our little ones, who were the voice for, who are just innocent and don’t know any better, to get a hold of a weapon like this,” Officer Tommy Thompson said. “It’s just sad. Far too young. For this child’s life that’s been taken, I hope we can take something from it.”
Thompson said the boy’s parents were on their way to the city and other family members were taken downtown for questioning. No one is being detained at this time.
“It sounds like a tragic accident. There are no words that can ever express the feeling that I’m sure this family member’s going through, who was the owner of this firearm, and how it got into this child’s hands. Their mental health is going to have to be monitored for a while,” Thompson said.
In a statement online, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said, “Our entire department is holding this family and our community close to our hearts this evening.”
“My heart goes out to the family and everyone who knew this child, a life gone far too soon,” The statement read. “This loss is especially heartbreaking on a day meant for gratitude.”
Thompson offered a reminder to the community that Indianapolis Public Libraries have free gun locks available, and if someone has a firearm they don’t want anymore, the department will take it to have it destroyed.
Earlier in the day, two people were killed after a shooting on the city’s east side. A man and woman were found shot inside a home after the Indianapolis Fire Department was called about a house fire. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died.
Two young children were also found inside the home, but were unharmed.
“I have two families from this morning and this afternoon, just gutted on a Thanksgiving,” Thompson said. “This is a quiet community behind me, this complex. I just can’t imagine how they’re impacted as well, how scary that is.”
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
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.
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