An Indiana woman who texted a friend saying, “I need to get out of here,” was tragically shot and killed by her boyfriend just hours later during a violent hostage situation. The incident unfolded in the early hours of January 13 at Timber Point Apartments in Indianapolis.
Police responded to a domestic disturbance at 2 a.m. after a man barricaded himself in an apartment with two women. Bethany Collette, one of the hostages, was found fatally shot when the SWAT team stormed the building. The suspect, who has not been publicly named, was critically injured.
Hours before her death, Collette texted her ex-husband and friend, Randy Collette, sharing her plans to leave her relationship and move back to Chicago. She sent him a photo of a bloody wound on her hand. When Randy asked about it, she replied, “That’s the reason why I need to get out of here.”
Heartbroken, Randy told the Indy Star: “She got into this new situation and had moved in with him, but she wanted out. She never wanted to give up, and I think that may have been the case here. I fear she just stayed too long.”
The tense standoff lasted for hours. Around 4:30 a.m., one of the hostages escaped the apartment. Shortly after, gunfire was heard inside. When officers entered, they found Bethany fatally injured and the suspect critically wounded.
The tragedy has highlighted the devastating toll of domestic violence. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the incident, which has shaken the local community.
This heartbreaking case occurred alongside another domestic violence-related murder in Texas. A manhunt is underway for 29-year-old Jorian Jackson, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, Cheyenne Russell, on January 6. Russell, a 26-year-old mother of two, was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds at an apartment complex in Tyler, Texas.
Russell had reportedly been seeking a protective order against Jackson before her death. Tyler Police released a statement confirming the incident and identifying Cheyenne as the victim.
Both cases underscore the urgent need for increased awareness, intervention, and protection for individuals facing domestic violence. Advocates emphasize that support systems and preventative measures can save lives, urging anyone in dangerous relationships to seek help.