Officer and Mom, 24, Shot and Killed at Domestic Violence Call, Recognized by Community

(Illustration - Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

A female Indianapolis police officer is being recognized for her sacrifice after she was shot and killed in the line of duty responding to a domestic violence 911 call. The 24-year-old officer was also mother to a toddler son.

According to the police report, Officer Breann Leath and two other officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) attended the scene of a suspected domestic abuse case between a man and a woman on the east side of Indianapolis on April 9, 2020.

As Leath and her colleagues knocked on the door of the apartment, the male suspect fired shots through the door and struck the young officer in the head. “She heard the call and went toward that which could do her harm because she knew if she didn’t, harm may come to others,” Mayor Joe Hogsett later told CBS 4.

Leath was rushed to Eskenazi Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The woman inside the home who had also been shot multiple times was stabilized in the hospital.

Leath, a lifelong Indianapolis resident, is survived by her son and parents; her father is a deputy sheriff, and her mother is a control operator with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The young officer’s mother, Jennifer Leath, shared personal reflections in an interview with CBS Indianapolis after her daughter’s untimely passing.

“We appreciate the thoughts and the words of encouragement everyone’s been sending us,” Jennifer began. “Breann loved this city and she loved what she did, and as a mom it’s a big deal to see your children recognize their lifelong dreams.”

Jennifer then shared that her daughter’s nickname had been “Breezy” owing to her sunny, fun personality, and thanked the public for both their condolences and for giving the family space to grieve.

Leath joined the IMPD in 2017 after serving in the Indiana National Guard. She is the first African-American woman to be killed in the line of duty in the history of the IMPD and the first officer to be killed on duty in Indianapolis since 2014.

The police department’s chief Randal Taylor released a statement after Leath’s passing, praising the officer for her commitment to her role. “Officer Leath was an example of what an IMPD officer should be,” Taylor said, as quoted by the Daily Mail. “She showed resolve, strength, and compassion in a dangerous job, and was always focused on serving the community she loved.”

The chief added that the young officer would be “sorely missed” by the department.

As reported by Fox 59, Elliahs Dorsey, 27, has been charged with multiple felonies; one count of murder and four counts of attempted murder. Dorsey will also undergo psychiatric evaluation after reports emerged that he believed he was “being set up.”

Governor Holcomb joined the mourners by releasing a statement following Leath’s death. “Officer Leath gave her life as she answered the call of duty,” he said, as quoted by CBS 4.

“I ask every Hoosier to join me in honoring Officer Leath’s courageous service and dedication to her community,” the governor continued. “She will be forever remembered for being the finest among us.”

Sergeant Stephen Mann also reflected on his time as Leath’s recruiter in the Indiana National Guard. “Breann was the perfect example of what it means to be in the National Guard,” he said. “She was a young woman from the start who wanted to give back and protect others.”

Leath became a military police officer, the sergeant explained, to prepare her for entry into the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, her ultimate goal; he described Leath as heroic.

“She was a hero,” Mann stated, “a beacon in her community, a symbol of change, and a source of motivation to do more. This city, state and country lost one of its very best.”

As reported by the Indy Star, a funeral service and virtual memorial was held for the young officer on April 16 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.