INDIANAPOLIS — A tragic act of violence has shaken the near northwest side of Indianapolis after a woman was fatally shot late Tuesday night. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) has confirmed that 38-year-old Steven Baker Jr. has been arrested in connection with the killing.

Officers responded around 11:45 p.m. to a home near West 34th Street and North Harding Street, just south of I-65, after reports of a shooting. When they arrived, officers found Ashley Sanders deceased inside the residence, the victim of an apparent gunshot wound.

Authorities say Baker was located nearby and taken into custody after a brief struggle. Detectives continued their investigation through the night and later arrested him on a preliminary charge of murder.

“This is very sad when relationships end in tragedy and violence,” said IMPD Capt. Rob Rider at the scene. “We urge anyone who may be in an abusive or dangerous relationship—please, don’t wait until it’s too late. There is help available.”

The Marion County Coroner’s Office is working to finalize the investigation and confirm the official cause and manner of death. Police say the shooting appears to be domestic-related, though no further details have been released at this time.

Neighbors expressed sorrow and disbelief as they watched police work late into the night. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one nearby resident. “You never think something like this will happen so close to home.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Detective Katie Gourley at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or via email at Katie.Gourley@indy.gov. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

The case remains under active investigation as the community mourns the life of Ashley Sanders, whose death serves as a painful reminder of the devastating toll of domestic violence.