Man charged with murder in connection with girlfriend’s 2020 death

An Indianapolis man, Rakeem Thompson, aged 32, has been charged with murder in connection to the death of Brittany Burns, aged 31, more than three and a half years after a tragic incident on the city’s near east side. Thompson was arrested in Shelby County and is now in custody in Marion County.

The investigation commenced at a residence on English Avenue in October 2020 when Thompson called the police after finding Burns unresponsive. Burns was taken to Community East but sadly passed away ten days later.

In March 2021, the Marion County Coroner’s Office declared Burns’ death a homicide, citing mixed modality trauma, including asphyxia and blunt force injuries. The victim’s family had suspected Thompson’s involvement from the beginning and questioned the delay in the murder charge.

Neighbors reported witnessing Thompson physically assaulting Burns before calling for help. Despite previous police visits for alleged domestic abuse, Thompson was never charged with domestic battery. Burns’ family shared photos of her bruised face from a prior assault, hoping to raise awareness about domestic violence.

Gina, the victim’s cousin, expressed relief at the charges but remains puzzled by the nearly four-year delay. She emphasized the importance of leaving at the first signs of domestic violence to protect oneself from harm.