Man Found Shot Dead Inside Burning Car in Indianapolis

Michael Lockridge's family and friends struggle to understand the brutal killing of the kind, innocent 56-year-old.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Michael Lockridge, a 56-year-old Indianapolis man, was found shot dead inside a burning Honda Civic on the city's north side. Firefighters discovered his body after extinguishing the blaze, and the coroner ruled his cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. Lockridge's family and friends are shocked and saddened by the brutal killing, describing him as a kind and innocent person who would never have fought back against an attacker.

Why it matters

This unsolved homicide has left Lockridge's loved ones searching for answers and highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in Indianapolis. The city has seen an increase in homicides in recent years, and this case raises questions about public safety and the need for more effective crime prevention and investigation efforts.

The details

Lockridge was last seen alive on February 7, 2026, and his body was discovered the following morning when firefighters responded to a car fire in the 800 block of West 29th Street. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the case, but no immediate suspects have been named. Lockridge's friends and family describe him as a kind, non-confrontational person who would have been unlikely to fight back against an attacker.

  • Lockridge was last seen alive on February 7, 2026, at around 7 p.m.
  • Firefighters responded to the car fire and discovered Lockridge's body on February 8, 2026, around 4:45 a.m.
  • The Marion County Coroner ruled Lockridge's cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.

The players

Michael Lockridge

A 56-year-old Indianapolis man who was found shot dead inside a burning car.

Kristin Paugh

Lockridge's niece, who is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Jeremiah Frederick

Lockridge's friend of nearly 40 years, who described him as kind and innocent.

Detective Dustin Keedy

The IMPD Homicide Office detective leading the investigation into Lockridge's death.

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What they’re saying

“Awful the way he went. Michael wouldn't argue or fight with anyone over anything, so it doesn't seem right that someone would do this to him.”

— Kristin Paugh, Lockridge's niece

“What in the world could you have done for someone to do this to you?”

— Jeremiah Frederick, Lockridge's friend

“This is somebody who wouldn't even consider fighting back. He would hang out with people who don't deserve to hang out with him. He was naive like that. He would follow somebody into a sketchy alley. There was a part of him that was like a little kid. I feel sick for not keeping him away from things that would hurt him.”

— Jeremiah Frederick, Lockridge's friend

What’s next

Detective Dustin Keedy with the IMPD Homicide Office is leading the investigation and can be reached at 317-327-3475 or via email at Dustin.Keedy@indy.gov. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana by calling 317-262-8477(TIPS) or online at crimetips.org.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in Indianapolis and the need for more effective crime prevention and investigation efforts to protect innocent victims like Michael Lockridge. His family and friends are left devastated and searching for answers, underscoring the human toll of such senseless acts of violence.