Indianapolis, IN — Police in Indianapolis say two women are behind bars after a two-week string of armed robberies that specifically targeted elderly Hispanic women across multiple neighborhoods.
Investigators report that at least five victims were assaulted, threatened, and robbed in a disturbing pattern of violence that unfolded throughout the city.
Series of Attacks Begins Outside East 10th Street Diner
The spree began outside the MCL Diner on East 10th Street, where a woman was punched in the face and dragged from her vehicle during a failed attempt to steal her purse.
Just eight days later, at an international market on Pike Plaza, a suspect allegedly escalated the violence — pressing a gun to a woman’s forehead before ripping away her purse, as per Fox59.
Back-to-Back Robberies Show Escalation
The very next day, investigators say a third victim was robbed outside Luis’s Fresh Market near East 21st Street and Franklin Road.
Only 30 minutes later, a fourth woman was attacked in the parking lot of 2 Amigos Restaurant on Southeastern Avenue, further alarming residents and drawing the full attention of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD).
Police confirmed that all victims were older Hispanic women, believed to have been intentionally selected.
“It’s disappointing when any member of our community is targeted for some act of violence,” said IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson. “That’s scary, and no person should have to go through that.”
Surveillance Operation Leads to Breakthrough
The crime spree finally unraveled on Monday, when detectives conducted surveillance on suspects believed to be involved. Officers tracked a vehicle back to the business on East 21st Street, the site of a previous attack.
Detectives watched as the two women sat in their vehicle for nearly an hour before allegedly rolling down the window and robbing a fifth victim at gunpoint.
Fingerprint Evidence Links First Suspect
Police say the investigation accelerated after officers recovered a latent fingerprint at one of the crime scenes, linking 26-year-old Destiny Boyd to the robberies.
Following the fifth incident, officers attempted to apprehend the suspects. Boyd and her alleged accomplice, 42-year-old Laritha Martin, reportedly tried to flee and rammed an IMPD SWAT vehicle during their escape attempt, but were quickly taken into custody.
Confession Reveals Motive
According to an affidavit, Martin denied involvement in the crimes. However, police say Boyd confessed, admitting to all five robberies and stating that she “targeted elderly Hispanic females because they have cash.”
IMPD expressed deep concern over the intentional victimization of vulnerable community members.
“Within that two-week period, we saw this string of incidents happen, and we were able to stop them and hold these people accountable,” Officer Thompson said.
Police Urge Caution During Holiday Season
IMPD emphasized that holiday periods often bring increased risks of theft and robbery, especially for individuals carrying large amounts of cash.
“We want to make sure everyone is doing their part to make sure they’re being responsible and not being a target for these individuals,” Thompson added.
Suspects Held on Cash Bonds
Both suspects are being held in the Marion County Jail, with Boyd and Martin facing cash bonds of $10,000 and $20,000, respectively, as prosecutors prepare to file formal charges.
The case has been highlighted as a clear example of how IMPD’s Violent Crimes Task Force works to identify, track, and capture violent offenders threatening Indianapolis neighborhoods.
Join the Conversation
How can Indianapolis better protect vulnerable residents? Do you think enough is being done to deter targeted robberies?
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