Man Sentenced to 37 Years for Shooting Pregnant Girlfriend

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 37 years in prison for shooting his pregnant girlfriend in the head in 2023.

Stephen Wieland, 24, was found guilty of attempted murder, aggravated battery, and domestic battery in March. He had his sentencing hearing on Monday.

The shooting happened in February 2023 at a duplex near the southeast side of Indianapolis. Wieland initially told police that he found the woman lying on the bedroom floor with a gunshot wound to the head and blood everywhere. Witnesses though told investigators that they overheard Wieland and the woman had gotten into an argument before hearing a gunshot fired off inside the home.

Officers located a handgun hidden inside a diaper bag, which Wieland admitted to owning. They also found 10mm rounds for the handgun and keys to his girlfriend’s vehicle on his person.

The victim lost her baby because of the shooting. She continues to live with severe traumatic brain injury. The bullet entered her forehead and went around her skull before exiting out of her left ear.

Three young children were also in the home at the time of the shooting.