On December 20, 2025, our son, Rae, was tragically murdered in an act of senseless gun violence. Our family’s world was shattered that day, and we have been left to live with a pain no parent should ever have to endure.

What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking is learning that multiple people may have witnessed what happened to our son, yet they did not come forward to report what they saw. While we continue to seek justice for Rae, we are left asking a question that no grieving family should have to ask: Why shouldn't someone who witnesses a murder have a legal obligation to report it?

In Indiana, existing laws address certain failures to report the discovery of a body or other circumstances involving a death. However, we believe there is a need to examine whether Indiana law adequately addresses a different situation: when someone directly witnesses a homicide but knowingly chooses to remain silent.

We are calling on Indiana lawmakers to close this potential gap in the law.

When someone witnesses a homicide and deliberately refuses to report it, valuable evidence may be lost, investigations may become more difficult, and those responsible may have a greater opportunity to evade accountability. Although not every witness will feel safe coming forward, and reasonable exceptions must be recognized, the law should not simply ignore the deliberate silence of someone who knowingly witnesses a killing and could safely report it.

We propose that Indiana establish a clear legal duty requiring individuals who directly witness a homicide to report it to law enforcement as soon as reasonably possible. The law should include appropriate exceptions for genuine threats to personal safety and other legally protected circumstances, along with reasonable penalties for those who knowingly and unjustifiably fail to report. Lawmakers should also consider safeguards to protect witnesses who come forward and fear retaliation.

This proposal is not about forcing people to put their lives in danger. It is about establishing a reasonable responsibility to help ensure that violent crimes are reported and investigated, that evidence is not needlessly lost, and that families have the best possible chance of seeing justice served.

No law can undo the loss of a child. No legislation can bring Rae back to us. But if strengthening Indiana’s laws could help another family find answers, prevent a perpetrator from escaping accountability, or save another innocent life, then we believe this issue deserves serious consideration.

Our son mattered. His life mattered. And every victim of homicide deserves a thorough investigation and the opportunity for justice.

We are asking Indiana residents, community leaders, and state legislators to stand with us in calling for a review and amendment of Indiana law to establish a clear, enforceable duty to report witnessed homicides.

Please sign this petition and help us turn our family’s heartbreak into a call for meaningful change.

For Rae. For the families still waiting for answers. And for the innocent lives that may yet be saved.