Joshua Ledford, a 21-year-old Indiana man, is accused of drunkenly handling a handgun before shooting two of his friends as they lay in bed together at a home on Indianapolis' west side, authorities said.
Background
The shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on July 16 at a residence in the 1000 block of Denison Street. Officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a person shot and discovered two victims—a man and a woman—suffering from gunshot wounds, according to court documents.
According to witnesses interviewed by investigators, Ledford had been drinking with the victims throughout the night and had been handling a black handgun recklessly for hours. One witness told authorities she had observed him behave similarly on previous occasions.
"We had asked him to stop messing around with the firearm and he said, 'No. I can do what I want. It's Indiana,'" witness Brayzan Brown told WXIN.
The Investigation
One of the victims told investigators that she and the male victim had retreated to a bedroom to relax when Ledford entered carrying the handgun. She stated in a probable cause affidavit that he began "playing" with the weapon, pointing it at both of them before it discharged.
Ledford struck the male victim in the arm and the female victim in the armpit, according to court records. Both victims were transported to a local hospital in stable condition and have since been released, recovering at home.
After the shot was fired, another witness told police Ledford attempted to get into her vehicle, leading her to believe he was trying to flee the scene. She refused to let him in the car. Officers detained Ledford outside the residence moments later.
In a subsequent interview with detectives, Ledford allegedly admitted responsibility for the shooting.
"It was 100% on me," he told investigators, adding, "I was a complete f—ing idiot."
He also allegedly admitted, "I was being stupid with the gun," and acknowledged that "sometimes when I get drunk, I play around with the clip." While maintaining he never intended to fire the weapon or injure anyone, Ledford reportedly conceded he had been "being a dumbass at the house and playing around with the gun."
"We have to be responsible with our firearms," IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson told WXIN. "This could have killed someone. Thankfully, this did not kill these individuals, but if we're not responsible with our guns, that bullet is going to travel somewhere."
The Charges
Ledford has been charged in Marion County with two counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon and one count of criminal recklessness for allegedly firing into an occupied dwelling. He made his initial court appearance and was released to home confinement after posting $8,000 bond.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua Ledford, 21, is charged with two counts of battery by means of a deadly weapon and one count of criminal recklessness in Marion County Superior Court
- The shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on July 16 at a home in the 1000 block of Denison Street on Indianapolis' west side
- Ledford allegedly admitted to investigators: "It was 100% on me" and "I was a complete f—ing idiot"
- Both victims—a man struck in the arm and a woman struck in the armpit—were treated at a local hospital and are now recovering at home
- Witnesses told police they repeatedly warned Ledford to stop waving the gun around before the shooting
What's Next
Ledford remains released on home confinement while his case proceeds through Marion County Superior Court. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
The case is a stark reminder of how quickly firearm mishandling can lead to tragedy, authorities said.