Indianapolis News and Headlines

Actions

Family, friends remember victims in Indy northwest side double homicide

Posted at 4:30 PM, Sep 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-23 23:54:33-04

INDIANAPOLIS – A double homicide on Indy’s northwest side Thursday evening has left family and friends asking for answers and voicing their concerns.

Victoria Valdez, 39, and Vincent Grant, 31 were found shot to death inside a home located in the 3500 block of Soaring Eagle Court just after 4 p.m. Both were killed due to a gunshot wound to the head, according to the Marion County Coroner.

Friends and family of Valdez described her as a hardworking mother of two to a 14-year-old and a 9-year-old, who ran a tree stump removal company. She was heavily involved in the motorcycle club, 317 Rider and often was involved in charity events.RR

Valdez’s niece said she and her aunt were very close and often traveled together. The two last spoke the day before Valdez was found dead in her home. Their conversation ended with, “I love you.”

“It was kind of a relief I guess, to have that as the last time I talked to her,” said Mikayla Daugherty. “I'm happy I was able to tell her I love her and that was the last thing I said to her and knowing that was the last thing she said to me.”

Valdez and Grant were friends, according to her family.

Phil Ping, Valdez's father, released a brief statement Friday afternoon:

Tragedies like these bring unimaginable suffering, not only to our own family and the family of the other victim (whom we hold in our thoughts and prayers) but also to the entire community. We are praying for God's consolation and healing for all who are affected.

Possible witnesses were interviewed and the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to assist in identifying and collecting possible forensic evidence.

Sources tell Call 6 Investigates that the home where the two people were found was the scene of a burglary on May 27, 2015.  The homeowner reported $13,000 worth of property stolen during the burglary.

Indianapolis police are still looking for a suspect and motive behind the killing.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-TIPS(8477).