INDIANAPOLIS – On January 9, 2019, at approximately 4:26 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) North District officers were dispatched to 7498 Merganser Dr. on the report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they located 19-year-old Svitlana Novotney in a vehicle with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) responded and pronounced her deceased at the scene.
Homicide detectives responded and immediately began canvassing the area for witnesses. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to assist in identifying and collecting potential forensic evidence. The Marion County Coroner’s Office assisted and determined the exact manner and cause of death.
On April 1, 2020 homicide detectives working in partnership with the Marion County Prosecutors office ascertained a warrant and arrested 19-year-old Samuel Newson for his alleged involvement in the January 9, 2019 death of Svitlana Novotney.
Anyone with information about this incident should call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS). 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 of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
