.png)
Indiana Man Charged with Murder in Grisly Killing of Woman in Indianapolis Apartment
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Police have arrested Regulus Baka, 22, in connection with the brutal murder of Shanaiya McDonald, who was found dead in her apartment on Ella Dobbs Lane on December 30, 2024. The gruesome nature of the crime and the evidence uncovered have shocked the Indianapolis community.
The Tragic Discovery
Around 5:43 a.m., police responded to a call from McDonald’s roommate, who discovered her lifeless body behind a bedroom door. First responders pronounced McDonald dead at the scene, noting signs of severe head trauma.
Investigators found blood splattered across the apartment, a blood-soaked towel on the porch, and a plastic bag drenched in blood next to the victim. Clear plastic tape was wrapped around the upper portion of McDonald’s head, adding to the horror of the scene.
Unraveling the Case
Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream for help around 4 a.m. Police later discovered McDonald’s cellphone, laptop, and a roll of bloodied tape in a dumpster near the apartment complex. Surveillance footage captured a man throwing items into the dumpster and driving away in a black Ford Fusion, which was traced back to the Baka family.
When officers located the vehicle at another apartment complex, they obtained a warrant to search the property. Baka was eventually found at his parents’ residence. He initially refused to cooperate with police, prompting a SWAT team response. After using drones and a distraction device, police apprehended him.
A Chilling Confession
After being Mirandized and provided with a French translator, Baka insisted on speaking in English and confessed to the murder. He described a tumultuous relationship with McDonald, citing accusations of infidelity and verbal abuse.
On the night of December 29, Baka visited McDonald to celebrate her birthday. The evening devolved into violence after McDonald allegedly slapped Baka and threatened to call someone to harm him.
Baka admitted to repeatedly punching McDonald in the head. The violence escalated when he struck her with a space heater four times and a kitchen pan. He then wrapped tape around her nose to ensure she couldn’t breathe and stabbed her with a knife.
“I just wanted her dead,” Baka reportedly told investigators.
Evidence and Arrest
Key evidence, including surveillance footage, items found in the dumpster, and Baka’s confession, tied him to the crime. He is currently detained in the Marion County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on January 3, 2025.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
The shocking details of McDonald’s death have left the Indianapolis community reeling. Law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case, urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
As Baka awaits his court appearance, McDonald’s family and friends mourn the loss of a young life taken in such a tragic and violent manner.