INDIANAPOLIS — Thanksgiving morning turned into an unimaginable tragedy for a family on Indianapolis’ east side after DonNino Morgan Jr. and a woman were found shot inside a burning home, leaving two young children behind and a community in shock. What should have been a day of peace and family unity instead became a scene of chaos, heartbreak, and loss.
Shortly after 10:15 a.m., the Indianapolis Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 3700 block of North Audubon Road. Moments later, police were called to the scene when firefighters discovered two adults suffering from gunshot wounds inside the home.
One victim—identified as DonNino Morgan Jr.—was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically died shortly after arriving. Her name has not yet been released.
A Holiday Shattered by Violence
“The hardest part is today is Thanksgiving,” IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “This is a day families should be spending time with one another. No family should be going through what this family is going through right now.”
A heavily damaged SUV sat in front of the home with a bullet hole visible in the windshield, though investigators have not confirmed whether the vehicle is connected to the shooting. The cause of the fire also remains unknown, and detectives are working to determine how these devastating events unfolded.
“This scene has a lot of moving parts,” Thompson said. “It’s very active. Detectives are working hard to piece together every detail.”
Two Children Rescued From Inside the Home
In the midst of the tragedy, firefighters discovered two young children inside the burning home. They were immediately rescued and, miraculously, escaped without major injuries.
“I can’t imagine what these two little kids experienced,” Thompson said. “This will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, they have family to support them. They’re going to need a lot of love for a long time.”
Loved Ones Cooperative, But Answers Still Unknown
Police say family members at the scene were cooperative and are providing information to investigators. However, the motive behind the fatal shooting remains unclear, deepening the pain for those mourning the sudden loss.
“This really hurts,” Thompson said quietly. “It hurts really bad on a Thanksgiving. At the heart of this is the fact that two lives were lost—and that is absolutely devastating for this family.”
Police Need the Public’s Help
This remains an extremely active investigation. IMPD urges anyone with information—no matter how small—to contact Detective Larry Craciunoiu at:
📞 317-327-3475
📧 Larry.Craciunoiu@indy.gov
Any detail could help bring answers and justice to a family facing indescribable heartbreak.
A Community in Mourning
As investigators continue their work, the Indianapolis community mourns the loss of DonNino Morgan Jr. and the unnamed woman whose life was also tragically taken. Their deaths mark a painful and devastating moment for a family who woke up expecting a holiday—and instead faced a nightmare they will never forget.
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