What was supposed to be a routine tattoo session turned tragic when Indianapolis tattoo artist David Young was fatally shot during a robbery attempt last October.
Young, 38, had been preparing to ink a young woman, who had messaged him earlier to schedule an appointment for a tattoo of wings. Just before the meeting, Young texted, “I’m finna draw your wings up,” indicating he was ready for the session at his home-based studio on North Oxford Street.
The woman, referred to as “Zee,” mentioned she would bring along her cousin for a tattoo, possibly of a name. Young informed his girlfriend and others in the house that “a girl named ‘Zee’ and a man” were expected.
However, according to court documents, Zee’s plans for a tattoo were part of a larger plot to rob Young. Authorities suggest that she was never intending to get inked, but instead was involved in the crime.
At 10:23 p.m. on October 19, 2024, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the first block of North Oxford Street, near East Washington and North Rural streets. Inside the home, they found Young suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.
Young’s girlfriend, who was inside the house at the time, told detectives she heard the door open and Young interacting with who they believed were clients. Shortly after, she heard Young shout, “I don’t got nothing” and “Yo,” before shots were fired. In response, she grabbed a rifle and returned fire, according to court records.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the details surrounding Young’s death and the robbery plot.
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