Breakthrough in Cold Case: Arrest Made in 2023 Murders of Indianapolis Friends Olivia Brown and Darian Wiley

Indianapolis, Ind. — More than three years after the tragic shooting deaths of two young friends, authorities have made an arrest in the case, bringing a measure of hope to their grieving families. On July 26, 2026, Noah Brimmage, 24, was charged with two counts of murder following the deaths of Olivia Brown, 24, and Darian Wiley, 27, who were shot on May 6, 2023. The case had lingered in uncertainty, leaving many in the community searching for answers about the violent crime that shocked the neighborhood.

The night of the incident began like any other for Brown and Wiley, who had been out together before heading back to their vehicle in the near north side of Indianapolis. Surveillance footage indicates they were trailed by two hooded figures just before gunfire erupted near East 21st and Ruckle streets. Wiley was struck while on foot, and Brown was shot in her vehicle as she attempted to escape. Initially, the police lacked identified suspects, resulting in years of unresolved questions for both families.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to the scene shortly after 12:30 a.m., where they found the victims suffering from life-threatening injuries. Despite swift medical response, both were pronounced dead at the scene, prompting a deep investigation into the events leading to the gunfire. For more than two years, the case belonged to the IMPD’s unsolved homicide unit, where detectives revisited previously gathered evidence and scrutinized timelines.

Investigators eventually connected Brimmage to the case after revisiting physical and digital evidence. A traffic stop the day following the shooting led to the recovery of a firearm belonging to Wiley, which was found in a vehicle associated with Brimmage, according to court documents. Allegations emerged regarding Brimmage’s communications about robbery and possession of the weapon tied to Wiley, though these claims remain to be proven in court.

In addition, detectives explored Brimmage’s movements before and after the shooting, compiling information from his phone records and associated messages. Although the investigation has suggested links to other violent incidents, these details do not serve as direct evidence for the current charges but provide context regarding Brimmage’s broader activities during that period.

At the time of his arrest, Brimmage was already incarcerated at the Branchville Correctional Facility in southern Indiana for unrelated offenses, including arson and criminal recklessness. The new charges against him include robbery resulting in bodily injury and multiple counts of battery with a deadly weapon, in addition to the murder counts. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Brimmage is entitled to the presumption of innocence until any guilt is established in court.

The arrest has brought some relief to the families of Brown and Wiley, who had endured years of uncertainty. Brown’s sister, Hannah Carter, previously expressed the emotional strain of the unresolved case, emphasizing the difficulty of living in limbo while grappling with the loss of a beloved family member. Acknowledging this pivotal development, family members are hopeful for justice, even amid lingering questions regarding the specifics of the crime.

Brown was remembered as a compassionate therapist pursuing her goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker, while Wiley, who faced a promising future in construction, was known for his love of music and his vibrant personality. The legacies of both individuals have left an indelible mark on their community, which is still reeling from the violence that shattered the peace.

As the prosecution begins its case against Brimmage, critical questions remain unanswered. Identifying the second individual seen in surveillance footage and establishing a motive are urgent matters that both families and community members hope to see resolved. With the legal process now underway, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Brown and Wiley’s deaths continues to unfold, offering both challenges and opportunities for justice to emerge.