Teenage Boy Seriously Injured in Martinsville Shooting

Victim airlifted to Riley Hospital for treatment after altercation near historic sanitarium

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:33am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a shooting incident.A single spent shell casing left behind at the scene of a juvenile shooting in Martinsville serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge of gun violence in small communities.Indianapolis Today

A teenage boy between the ages of 13-16 was seriously injured after being shot in the abdomen during an altercation among a group of juveniles in Martinsville, Indiana on Tuesday night. The victim was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment, and police are actively investigating the incident, speaking with a possible suspect and witnesses.

Why it matters

Gun violence involving minors is a concerning trend in many communities, raising questions about youth safety, access to firearms, and the need for intervention programs. This incident in the historic town of Martinsville highlights the ongoing challenges of preventing and responding to such acts of violence.

The details

According to the Martinsville Police, the shooting occurred near the town's historic mineral water sanitarium, where a fight broke out among a group of juveniles. The victim, described as a male teenager between 13-16 years old, was shot in the abdomen and transported via helicopter to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis for treatment of his serious injuries. While no arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening, police are actively investigating the incident and speaking with a possible suspect as well as witnesses.

  • The shooting occurred on Tuesday night in Martinsville, Indiana.

The players

Aubrey Rachels

An officer with the Martinsville Police Department who spoke with WRTV about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.”

— Aubrey Rachels, Martinsville Police Officer

What’s next

Investigators will continue to interview witnesses and the possible suspect to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify any individuals responsible.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing challenge of youth violence and the need for comprehensive community-based solutions to address the root causes and provide support for at-risk youth in Martinsville and similar small towns.