Four Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of High School Football Player at Indiana Festival

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — The New Albany Police Department has announced the arrest of four individuals in connection with the tragic shooting of a high school football player.

According to police, 18-year-old Bryce Gerlach was fatally shot during an outbreak of gunfire in a parking area near the Harvest Homecoming festival in October. Gerlach was a student and a football player at Corydon Central High School in Harrison County. The incident also left two others injured: a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman.

The arrested suspects, all from Kentucky, face serious charges. Joshua M. Smith, 20; Shermichael J. Smith, 23; and Darius D. Tuff, 24, all from Louisville, have each been charged with murder, attempted murder (twice), armed robbery, and aggravated battery (twice). Isaiah A. Page, 18, from Simpsonville, Kentucky is charged with attempted murder and battery along with two counts of criminal recklessness and one count involving the use of a firearm during the commission of an offense.

Police reported that multiple shots were fired over a span of 30 seconds during the festival. One suspect allegedly sold his weapon shortly after the event.

New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey described the shooting as an “evil, reckless and heinous” act and emphasized that the victims were “complete innocent bystanders.”

Chief Bailey added that ongoing investigations included executing several search warrants and conducting interviews which led to identifying the suspects. He indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.