Convicted Murderer Shot and Killed by IMPD on Indy’s Near East Side

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man was fatally shot by IMPD on the city’s near east side, and he has been identified as a convicted murderer. This incident marks the first officer-involved shooting of the year in 2024.

The Shooting Incident

The shooting occurred during a traffic stop near the intersection of Rural and Brookside Parkway North Drive. According to IMPD, Raphael Dekemper, a wanted felon, stepped out of the passenger side of a car just before 5:30 p.m. on Thursday night and immediately fired shots at the officers. In response, the officers returned fire, resulting in the death of the 48-year-old suspect.

IMPD shared photos of one squad car that was struck by bullets during the incident. They also confirmed the presence of a handgun next to the suspect.

Convicted Murderer and Violent Offender

According to court records, Raphael Dekemper was convicted of murder in Marion County in 1997. After serving twenty years in prison, he was released in 2017. However, this month, Dekemper allegedly violated a protective order and fired shots at a home on Bolton Avenue. As a result, charges were filed against him, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

IMPD’s Response and Investigations

IMPD Acting Chief Chris Bailey stated that the officers involved in the incident acted in self-defense, emphasizing that their priority is the safety of the police officers. Bailey also highlighted that the number of police shootings is a small fraction of the total number of police runs made last year.

However, in an effort to ensure transparency and accountability, IMPD is finalizing a plan to hire an external group to review the reasons behind the increase in officer-involved shootings in the previous year.

IMPD Internal Affairs is conducting a separate administrative investigation, while the IMPD Critical Incident Response Team is handling the criminal investigation. The Use of Force Review Board, consisting of civilians, will hold a mandatory hearing to review any cases involving the attempted use of deadly force against individuals. This hearing will take place after the conclusion of the criminal process.

Support and Assistance

The Police Officer Support Team (POST) and the IMPD Chaplain’s Office responded to provide peer support and assistance to the officers involved in the incident. Additionally, the IMPD Victims Assistance unit responded to support the officers and detectives.

Seeking Information

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Detective Dustin Keedy at the homicide office at 317-327-3475. Alternatively, individuals can provide tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.