Fatal Attempted Home Invasion Ends in Tragedy on Indianapolis’ Far Eastside

INDIANAPOLIS — A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday on the far eastside of Indianapolis when a person was killed in what the police have described as an attempted home invasion. The incident took place in the 3700 block of Marseille Road.

The homeowner, Brent Smith, who shot and killed the 22-year-old intruder, has now come forward to share his harrowing experience. Smith recounted that he had just returned home from the grocery store when he noticed a young man approaching his house. To his horror, the man swiftly pulled a ski mask over his face.

Smith, caught off guard, was struck in the head with the intruder’s gun before he could fully comprehend the situation. He immediately yelled out, hoping his neighbors would hear him and come to his aid. Recounting the incident, Smith said, “He hit me in the head with his gun. I yelled out ‘he is robbing me’, thinking my neighbors would hear me.”

In a desperate struggle, Smith wrestled with the intruder for control of the firearm. During the scuffle, the intruder’s gun accidentally discharged, prompting him to flee from the premises. “At this time I started hearing what felt like thousands of shots,” Smith recalled, referring to the exchange of gunfire between himself and the individual outside, who had taken possession of the intruder’s gun before encountering him.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office later identified the deceased intruder as 22-year-old Damon Swanigan Jr.

Expressing his frustration with the incident, Smith called for greater community involvement and urged individuals to find productive ways to channel their energy. He stated, “Find something productive to do. You don’t need to rob me. I keep to myself. The first thing I noticed was the kid had on brand new Jordan’s. You’re trying to rob me, but you got brand new Jordan’s on, man? I just don’t get it.”

Following the incident, Smith was initially detained at the scene and taken in for questioning. However, after discussions between the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, he was released.