INDIANAPOLIS — Security footage from a Marathon gas station captured Shantell Marie Laster’s final moments.
The gas station sits at the corner of East 38th Street and North Oxford Avenue, a few blocks east of North Keystone Avenue. The video shows a white Chevrolet Malibu with the 28-year-old woman in the passenger seat pulling up to the pump about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday.
The driver, wearing a red hoodie, walked inside the station convenience store while Laster remained in the passenger seat.
Moments later, a dark-colored truck pulled behind them, and two people stepped out. One walked to the front of the vehicle and opened fire with Laster inside the car, flattening the two front tires.
Gunfire riddled the car and shattered the driver’s side window. The station cashier on duty described the scene. “I was here inside, and I heard, ‘Bang, bang eight times; eight or seven rounds.”
First responders took Laster to a hospital, where she died.
Investigators recovered shell casings scattered across the scene.
Investigators said the shooting was targeted and posed no wider threat to the public.
Customer Michael Garrett reacted to the incident.
“It’s abnormal,” Garrett said about crime in the area. “It’s not an everyday occurrence. I don’t know all the details of how that transpired. Most times it’s a panhandler out here, and they’re not going to kill you because they can’t even afford a gun.”
Resident D. Thompson shared concerns about the location. “I don’t think it’s too safe. A lot of stragglers around 11:30 p.m. and 12 at night. It’s not a good time. I see a lot of things going on, but I just get in and get out.”
Residents said the neighborhood is troubled but does not warrant this level of violence.
Police have reported no arrests. Authorities asked anyone with information to contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Tips can be directed to IMPD Detective Christopher Williams at 317-327-3475 or via email at christopher.williams4@indy.gov. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.
