'We were innocent bystanders': No answers a month after Colts assistant coach's house shot at 77 times

On Mother's Day, eight people in three cars pulled onto a quiet, westside street and fired more than 70 rounds at the home of Indianapolis Colts assistant coach Parks Frazier.

Neighbors say it was unlike anything they had ever seen the Sunningdale Commons subdivision. When the barrage finally stopped, the sound of gunshots in the 8500 block of Cressmoor Court was replaced with police sirens, and investigators would spend the following days collecting shell casings while searching for answers.

But as Father's Day approaches, the "why" behind the drive-by remains unanswered. The home remains riddled with bullet holes and devoid of life; the windows and doors remain covered with boards and the residents remain on edge.

"I haven't heard anything from police ... I wish I knew. It would make everyone sleep a little easier at night," said Craig Worland, who lives next door to the house that was targeted. Worland's house was struck by three bullets.

"What the hell are we paying taxes for if we can't get a courtesy call or a follow-up or something in our mailbox? Just something. We were innocent bystanders," said Worland.

Police respond to neighbors 

The frustration expressed by Worland and other neighbors is not lost on police. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Deputy Chief Christopher Bailey told IndyStar that he understands how they feel, but because the case is still active, detectives cannot share any investigative information.

He added that Northwest District officers are working alongside the Crime Gun Intelligence Center to locate the shooters, and the district commander will reach out to the neighbors in the near future to share with them what he can. 

However, information like the make and model of the cars, names or descriptions of the suspects,and the motive behind the shooting have not been released.

"When we can share information publicly, we will do that, but we have to protect the integrity of the investigation," Bailey wrote in an email. "Detectives do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the neighborhood related to this incident. We understand and agree with those in the neighborhood who feel victimized. No one, regardless of their neighborhood or who they work for should have to worry about their house being shot at or accidentally hit by the reckless behavior of others."

How the shooting happened

According to police reports, the shooting happened around 6 p.m. on May 12. The home was unoccupied, but multiple neighbors told police that at least eight people arrived in three cars before opening fire. A rear door to the home was kicked in, and shots were fired inside.

Over the next two days, police recovered eight 9 mm shell casings; 18 .223 caliber shell casings; 10 .45 caliber shell casings; 14 .40 caliber shell casings; 27 7.62x39 mm shell casings; and 13 bullet fragments of various calibers from the scene.

Investigators also found a silver iPhone in a purple case that may have been left behind by one of the shooters.

Neighbors told IndyStar that suspicious vehicles were seen in the neighborhood in the days leading up to the shooting, and cars were seen circling the block on the day of the drive-by.

'We're kind of left scratching our heads'

Anthony Basso, a 10-year resident of the neighborhood, said he initially thought the gunshots were fireworks. The realization that it was something more sinister came when he heard the squealing tires of the suspects' vehicles as they pulled away. 

In the aftermath, and without direct updates from police, Basso said there has been a heightened sense of vigilance and communication among neighbors.

"Everybody is trying to keep each other abreast of what’s going on, but we've not heard anything from police. There has not been any input or feedback from them, so we’re kind of left scratching our heads," he said. 

Basso said that many neighbors believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity. Police would not comment on the theory. 

Before Frazier moved into the home less than a year ago, the home spent many years as a rental property with a steady flow of tenants who didn't make the best neighbors, Basso said.

"There’s a real strong sense that this was a mistake ... that this wasn't the right target. So I don't think there is whole lot of fear or apprehension that it’s going to happen again. But like I said, a little more vigilant, a little more cautious," Basso said. "It would give us a great sense of closure to the ordeal, I think, if police would let us know what is going on. Particularly if they have resolved the situation already."

IMPD would not comment on whether arrests have been made in the case. 

Worland took a similar stance, saying that while he doesn't believe that the people responsible were targeting his subdivision, knowing for certain would help the people regain normalcy.

"We've never had any issues," Worland said. "There are always dog walkers or people riding bikes, and this makes you think, what the hell is the world coming to? Do we need to move again? Do we need to move further out of it?" 

Frazier has declined to comment on the shooting. In response to the incident, the Indianapolis Colts have released the following statement:

"We are extremely thankful our employee was not home at the time of the incident. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we have no further comment."

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.