Indianapolis Man Charged with Murder of Roommate

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of his roommate earlier this month.

20-year-old Abdul Malik Banks was arrested Saturday in connection with the death of his roommate, 44-year-old Shawnetta Small.

On July 11, Small was found dead at her home in the 1500 block of Downey Avenue from two gunshot wounds. IMPD officers responded to the home after Small called 911 to say her roommate had attacked her.

After getting to the home and waiting for Small to come out, officers went inside and searched the home. They ended up finding her dead in her bedroom.

Witnesses told investigators that an argument had escalated after Banks confronted Small for using the bathroom naked with the door open. Banks denied having issues with Small but admitted to being spat on and having feces smeared on him by Small. Investigators say the shooting occurred after the fight.

Banks has been booked into the Marion County jail without bond. His case was set to go to trial on Sept. 22.