INDIANAPOLIS-Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Homicide Detectives arrested a suspect for his alleged involvement in the September homicide of 52-year-old Pamela J. Garruto.
On Sunday, September 11, 2022, just before 11:00 p.m., IMPD North District officers were dispatched to E. 34th Street, and Brouse Avenue on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and located an adult male and what appeared to be an adult female who sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound(s). Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) arrived and unfortunately pronounced the female victim deceased at the scene. The male victim was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.
IMPD homicide detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to identify and collect potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner’s Office (MCCO) assisted and determined the exact cause and manner of death.
IMPD homicide detectives continued their investigation and identified the alleged suspect. On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, with the assistance of the IMPD Violent Crimes Unit, U.S. Marshal’s Task Force Officers, IMPD SWAT, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office IMPD homicide detectives announced the arrest of 34-year-old Erik Hale for his alleged involvement in the death of Pamela Garruto. Hale was charged with Murder, Aggravated Battery, Robbery, Criminal Recklessness, and Possession of a Handgun by a Felon.
The Marion County Prosecutors Office (MCPO) will make final charging decisions.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Michael McWhorter at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or by e-mail at Michael.McWhorter@indy.gov.
Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous. Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest. Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards.
A charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
