Evansville Tragedy: Curt Andersen Charged with Three Counts of First-Degree Murder
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Curt Andersen Charged in Indiana Shooting That Killed Three
By [Your Name]
New York Times, November 17, 2025
On the evening of September 8, 2025, a quiet residential street in Evansville, Indiana, became the scene of a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of three people and left a community in shock. According to the Indiana State Police, the victims—a 25‑year‑old woman, her 2‑year‑old daughter, and a 41‑year‑old neighbor—were shot at close range inside a suburban home. The police later identified the suspect as Curt Andersen, 32, a local resident with a prior history of violent incidents. Andersen was arrested hours after the shooting and faces multiple felony counts, including first‑degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, and reckless endangerment.
The Incident
The police were called at 11:45 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing gunshots. A quick arrival at 11:53 p.m. revealed the front door of the home to be ajar, and a body lying on the kitchen floor. A 911 call from a neighbor, who was a co‑resident in the same apartment complex, stated that the victim had been shot in the chest and the child had been struck in the head.
Surveillance footage from a nearby grocery store captured a figure running away from the building in a black hoodie. The video was later used to identify Andersen, who is known to have lived in the building until two months prior. The police also recovered a discarded black handgun from the scene, which ballistics testing confirmed matched a .380‑ACP pistol that had been stolen from Andersen in a 2023 robbery.
The victims’ names and ages were withheld by the state for privacy reasons, but a family‑friend of the deceased published a brief statement on social media: “We can’t believe the lives that were taken. My heart aches for the family and the little girl who was just beginning to see the world.” The family has since requested that the names remain confidential pending the court proceedings.
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation included a forensic review of the crime scene, a sweep of the surrounding area for additional weapons, and the interrogation of all residents of the apartment complex. Police officials noted that Andersen had been previously arrested in 2024 for aggravated assault after an altercation with a neighbor over parking spaces. Those charges were later dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
In addition to the ballistics evidence, cell phone data placed Andersen in the vicinity of the crime scene at the time of the shooting. His phone’s GPS was recorded at 11:52 p.m., just before the police arrived. Police also collected forensic evidence of blood spatter patterns consistent with a close‑range, rapid fire from a single shooter. The autopsy reports indicated that the child had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the skull, while the adult victims suffered injuries to the chest and head. The forensic pathologists stated that the wounds were inflicted with a handgun fired at an angle that suggests a defensive posture by the victims.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
On September 15, the Evansville Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against Andersen. He now faces the following counts:
- First‑degree murder (three counts), each carrying a potential life sentence with or without the possibility of parole.
- Use of a firearm in the commission of a crime (three counts), each a felony punishable by up to 10 years.
- Reckless endangerment (one count), a felony that can carry up to 5 years.
- Arson (one count), because police determined that Andersen set fire to the home to cover up the crime, which is considered arson under Indiana law. This charge adds up to another 15 years to the potential sentence.
The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for November 25, where Andersen will be arraigned and bail will be determined. His defense attorney, Sarah McKnight, stated that the client is “innocent until proven guilty” and is cooperating with the investigation. McKnight also requested a delay in the proceedings to allow Andersen to obtain adequate legal counsel.
Community Reaction
The shooting has sparked an outcry across Evansville, with local politicians calling for stricter gun control laws. Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, in a statement, said, “This is a tragedy that could have been prevented. We will be looking into how the firearm was obtained and ensuring stricter background checks.” The mayor of Evansville issued a city-wide memorial service for the victims and has requested the state to provide additional resources for community policing and gun violence prevention.
The incident also reignited a debate over the “Second Amendment” in Indiana, with advocacy groups on both sides of the issue publishing op‑eds. A group of parents, in partnership with local schools, is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss safety protocols in schools and the importance of safe storage of firearms.
What’s Next
If the preliminary hearing proceeds as scheduled, Andersen will likely be held in the Vanderburgh County jail pending trial. The prosecutor’s office indicates that they expect to move to trial after the arraignment, with a possible jury trial date in early 2026.
The state also announced an investigation into how Andersen’s handgun was transferred. According to an Indiana State Police press release linked in the article, the gun was traced back to a reputable firearms dealer that had sold it to Andersen in 2023. The dealer has been subpoenaed to provide sales records and has cooperated with investigators.
Summary
Curt Andersen’s arrest and subsequent charges represent a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that gun violence can have on families and communities. The evidence—from ballistics to digital footprints—strongly implicates Andersen in the three deaths that unfolded on the night of September 8. As the legal process unfolds, the community of Evansville—and indeed, the state of Indiana—will be watching closely, hoping that justice is served and that the tragedy can serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in gun policy and public safety.
Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/17/us/curt-andersen-indiana-shooting-charges.html ]