13-year-old Indiana boy claims friend committed suicide but police think he shot his friend

GREENWOOD, IN – A 13-year-old boy from Indiana is facing severe legal charges following the death of another young boy, initially mislabeled as a suicide.

Shortly past midnight on November 10, officers from the Greenwood Police Department responded to what was described as an apparent suicide attempt. Upon arrival, they discovered 13-year-old James Davis critically injured from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigations revealed that six boys, including Davis and his alleged shooter, were present at the home when the incident occurred.

Although the parents of one of the boys were home during the event, they were reportedly sleeping elsewhere in the house. No information was provided regarding their connection to the firearm used, and they currently face no charges.

Initial findings indicate that the group of boys was “playing” with the gun before fleeing the scene. The suspect reportedly contacted emergency services, claiming that Davis had attempted suicide. However, further details surfaced indicating the suspect had aimed the gun at Davis, resulting in the shooting.

The accused, whose identity remains confidential due to his age, is charged with murder and criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. These charges could be tried as felonies if the decision is made to charge him as an adult. He is currently in custody at the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Facility, with a preliminary juvenile hearing set for November 26.

In light of this incident, Dr. Terry Terhune, superintendent of Greenwood Schools, confirmed that several involved students attended the local middle school. Consequently, support and counseling services have been extended to help students cope with the tragedy.

Following the weekend of the shooting, schools in the district resumed on a delayed schedule, while sports activities were called off for the day. Superintendent Terhune also sent a message to Greenwood families, urging them to discuss the incident with their children, assuring them of their safety, and emphasizing the availability of school counselors for emotional support.