Fatal Shooting at Lafayette Laundromat Claims the Life of 35-Year-Old Keith Ford; Authorities Investigate Possible Motive as Alleged Shooter Remains in Critical Condition
Tragic gun violence at the Lafayette Laundromat leaves one dead and three others wounded, sparking an ongoing investigation into the suspect’s background and possible motives
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – December 6, 2024 – A shocking act of gun violence took place at a laundromat in Lafayette, Indiana, on the evening of Thursday, December 5, 2024, leaving one person dead and three others critically wounded. The shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. at the Lafayette Laundromat, formerly known as the Maytag Laundromat, located at 3100 South Street. As details emerge, the community is left grappling with the brutality of the attack, while law enforcement continues to piece together the events leading up to the tragic loss of life.
Victim Identifications:
The deceased victim has been identified as Keith Ford, 35, a Lafayette resident who was found lying in the parking lot outside the laundromat with critical injuries. Ford was rushed to IU Arnett Hospital shortly after officers arrived at the scene but tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival.
Three others inside the laundromat at the time of the shooting were also injured. Renee Martin, 32, and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, 30, both sustained gunshot wounds but are reported to be in stable condition following treatment at a local hospital. The fourth individual involved in the shooting, the alleged shooter, who has not been named publicly at this time, is reported to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooter remains in critical condition and is being treated for their injuries.
The Incident:
At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Thursday evening, Lafayette police responded to a report of a shooting at the Lafayette Laundromat. Upon arrival, officers found Keith Ford in the parking lot, severely wounded by gunfire. Ford, described by family and friends as a hardworking man, was immediately rushed to IU Arnett Hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
Inside the laundromat, authorities discovered Renee Martin and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, who were suffering from gunshot wounds. They were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition, and their injuries, while serious, are not considered life-threatening at this time.
The most concerning part of the investigation surrounds the alleged shooter, whose identity has yet to be disclosed by law enforcement officials. According to initial reports, the suspect is a man from Lincoln, Nebraska. The suspect is believed to have inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after the shooting, and he remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Law enforcement officials are carefully monitoring the suspect’s health to determine when they may be able to begin questioning him about the incident.
The circumstances leading to the shooting are still under investigation. Law enforcement sources have not yet revealed whether the victims and the suspect had any prior relationship, or if there was a specific motive for the violence. Investigators have not ruled out any possible connections between the individuals involved, though they are working to determine the nature of the incident.
Ongoing Investigation:
The Lafayette Police Department (LPD) has confirmed that they are working closely with the Lincoln Police Department in Nebraska to gather more information about the alleged shooter’s background. Authorities are hoping to learn more about the suspect’s history, including any potential criminal record or connections to the Lafayette area, as well as any possible motives for the violent outburst. It remains unclear whether the suspect was a regular patron of the laundromat or if the incident was a random act of violence.
While the shooting appears to have been an isolated incident, law enforcement has heightened security in the area to ensure the safety of the local community as the investigation progresses. Officers are also reviewing surveillance footage from the laundromat and surrounding businesses to gather additional evidence that may shed light on the chain of events leading up to the shooting.
Police Urge Public to Come Forward with Information:
As the investigation continues, the Lafayette Police Department is urging anyone with additional information about the shooting or the individuals involved to come forward. Law enforcement officials are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has knowledge of the suspect’s activities prior to the shooting.
The LPD is reminding residents that they can submit tips anonymously through their tip hotline, which is open 24/7. The department is also encouraging people to use online platforms such as Crime Stoppers to report any information they may have, no matter how small it may seem. Authorities are hoping that the community will help provide answers in the wake of this senseless violence.
Community Impact:
The shooting at the Lafayette Laundromat has left the local community in shock, as residents try to comprehend the violence that unfolded just a few hundred feet away from their homes and businesses. Lafayette, a city of around 70,000 residents, has not experienced a shooting of this magnitude in recent years, and many people are struggling to process the loss of life and the terror that took place in a public space that is typically seen as safe and neutral.
Local business owners in the area have expressed concern for their safety and for the well-being of their customers, while some residents have voiced their frustration and fear over the escalation of violence in the community. While police presence has been increased in the area, many are left wondering how an otherwise peaceful evening could devolve into such a violent tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, local outreach organizations have offered support to the victims’ families and the larger community. A candlelight vigil has been scheduled for this weekend in honor of Keith Ford, who is remembered by his loved ones as a kind and gentle soul. Ford’s family has expressed deep grief at his untimely death and is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.
The Road Ahead:
As the investigation into the shooting continues, authorities are focusing on gathering more information about the alleged shooter and his possible motive. Although the shooter’s identity remains undisclosed, law enforcement has confirmed that he is a man from Lincoln, Nebraska. Investigators are in the process of collaborating with the Lincoln Police Department to learn more about the suspect’s background and any connections to the Lafayette area that could explain why he targeted the victims at the laundromat.
The focus of the investigation is expected to shift toward uncovering any potential relationship between the victims and the suspect, as well as understanding the trigger for the shooting. It is currently unclear whether the violence was premeditated or if it was the result of a sudden altercation. Authorities have also suggested that the shooting may have been an act of personal retribution, though this remains speculative at this stage of the investigation.
As the Lafayette Police Department continues its work, it is likely that more details will emerge in the coming days. The investigation remains in its early stages, and law enforcement officials are committed to uncovering the full scope of the events leading to the tragic shooting at the Lafayette Laundromat.
A Call for Justice:
For now, the families of Keith Ford, Renee Martin, and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes are left waiting for answers as law enforcement continues its investigation. The tragic loss of life has left the Lafayette community reeling, but many are hopeful that justice will prevail as authorities work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the shooting.
The community is also coming together to support the victims’ families, offering both emotional and financial support as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event. In the days ahead, the Lafayette Police Department will continue its efforts to ensure that those responsible for the shooting are held accountable for their actions, and that the victims’ loved ones receive the justice they deserve.
The shooting at the Lafayette Laundromat serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the devastating toll it takes on families and communities. As authorities work to bring clarity to the incident, the community of Lafayette remains united in its resolve to find the truth and to support those affected by this tragic loss.
