Unanswered Questions: A Community Mourns the Loss of a 14-Year-Old Girl Killed in Indianapolis

An Indianapolis family is searching for answers after police say a 14-year-old girl was found dead over the weekend.

"For any child to think it's cool to pull a pistol and take another life, think again because you will be held accountable," Ramona Griffin, the victim's grandmother, said.

Police found the body of Deandra Staples on Saturday at the Laurelwood Apartments on Indy's south side. The 14-year-old was shot and killed.

"How could you be that cruel and evil? To shoot this baby in her head and leave her in the snow. What could she have done that made you hate her so much," Griffin said.

Staples's family says she was killed less than a mile away from her home. They are now searching for justice.

"They knew she was a minor; they lured her out of my home, and they killed my baby," Griffin said.

The victim's family described Deandra as a friend to all and one of the top steppers on the G3 Steppers. They want parents to watch after their kids, knowing Deandra isn't here to light up their world.

"She was the star, she was the one who brightened up people's lives," Griffin said.

Now, the family is urging anyone with information about this incident to contact Det. Douglas Swails at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475, or e-mail him at [email protected].