The Brownsburg Police Department has identified the two men killed in Tuesday’s shooting at 56th and North Grant Street as 36-year-old Seth Robertson and 22-year-old Joshua Hayes.
A police department press release stated that while they are still collecting evidence and continuing their investigation they can confirm that Hayes has been identified as the gunman that launched an unprovoked attack on Robertson and another victim who was not identified.
Currently, police do not believe that the attack was racially motivated. Hayes, who is black, opened fire on the two victims who are white.
Brownsburg Police Department Captain Jennifer Pyatt-Barrett said, “At this point in time in the investigation, we have no reason to believe this was a racially-motivated crime. We’re leaning more towards evidence suggesting there was mental illness on behalf of Mr. Hayes.”
Police say that Hayes launched an unprovoked attack on Robertson and the second victim while they were working in the Brownsburg Cemetery. Hayes drove to the scene, exited his vehicle, approached both men and opened fire.
This led to a foot chase where Robertson and the second victim separated to seek safety and cover from Hayes’ gun fire. Hayes continued his pursuit of Robertson, while firing upon him, until he caught up with him in the intersection of 56th St. and N. Grant St, where he ultimately shot and killed Robertson.
Hayes then focused his attention on the second victim where another foot chase pursued through a residential neighborhood and back into 56th St. During this pursuit, Hayes continued to fire at the second victim and eventually caught up to him in the westbound lane of 56th St. where a physical altercation ensued and shots continued to be fired.
A passing motorist, who was also not identified, was stopped at the traffic light in the eastbound lane on 56th. The motorists witnessed Hayes attack the second victim. The motorist was armed with a firearm that they are legally licensed to carry and intervened on the behalf of the second victim and numerous other civilians in the immediate area that were rendering aid to Roberston and/or stopped in traffic. The motorist fired his firearm at Hayes as Hayes was pointing his firearm at the second victim’s head. Hayes died on scene.
The second victim and motorist were treated on scene and released from police custody after providing statements.
At this point in the investigation, law enforcement has not uncovered any evidence of criminal conduct by anyone other than Hayes. When the investigation is complete, the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case in its entirety.
The public is still encouraged to contact the Brownsburg Police Department if they have any pertinent information related to this case.
