According to a report in the Indy Star, The tragic death of 15-year-old Kaeden Swanigan has left his family in anguish and raised serious questions about the actions of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). Swanigan’s body was discovered 10 days after he went missing, sparking outrage among his loved ones who feel that more could have been done to locate him sooner.

The chain of events leading to Swanigan’s disappearance began on March 24 when police encountered him and two other juveniles while responding to a report of a stolen vehicle. According to police reports, Swanigan and his companions fled from officers after the vehicle they were in was stopped. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, Swanigan managed to evade capture that night.

Whitney Taylor, Swanigan’s mother, expressed her frustration with IMPD’s handling of the situation. She believes that the police could have taken more decisive action to locate her son promptly. Taylor recounted her efforts to correct the initial missing person report filed with the department, emphasizing that Swanigan was not a habitual runaway and should not have been categorized as such.

In the days following Swanigan’s disappearance, Taylor’s desperation grew as she tirelessly searched for her son, even resorting to calling hospitals, the coroner’s office, and the juvenile detention center. Despite her efforts, it wasn’t until a week later that she received assistance after seeking help at the City-County Building downtown.

IMPD’s response to inquiries regarding the case have been limited. The department did not provide answers to questions from IndyStar before the publication of their article. However, a news release from the department stated that officers did not chase Swanigan after he fled from them, based on body-worn camera footage and officer statements.

Tragically, Swanigan’s body was discovered in a retention pond close to where he was last seen fleeing from police. Conservation officers made the grim discovery, and Swanigan was later identified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office. The cause and manner of his death remain pending, leaving his family with unanswered questions and a sense of profound loss.

As the investigation into Swanigan’s death continues, his family and community are left grappling with the devastating consequences of this tragedy. Andrew Swanigan, Kaeden’s father, remembers his son as a vibrant young man with a bright future ahead. He hopes that his son’s untimely death will serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.

For Taylor and Andrew Swanigan, the pain of losing their beloved son and the unanswered questions surrounding his death serve as a reminder of the urgent need for reform within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

This case bears a striking resemblance to a local case involving the death of Richard Patterson. Patterson had been arrested in June of 2021 and under questionable circumstances escaped through the window of the officers vehicle. A brief but unsuccessful search was conducted, and Patterson was found drowned six days later.