Fort Wayne, IN – 16-Year-Old Male Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of Sincere Sole

February 5, 2025 – The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) has arrested a 16-year-old male suspect in connection with a tragic shooting that led to the death of Sincere Sole, a 16-year-old teenage girl. The shooting occurred on Monday evening, February 5, 2025, in a seemingly routine neighborhood but has since turned into an event that has rocked the Fort Wayne community. Authorities have charged the suspect with felony murder and robbery.

According to a press release from the FWPD, officers responded to a distressing 911 call just before 8:00 p.m. on the night of the shooting. The call described a shooting at the Black Pine Flats apartment complex located on Fayette Drive. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered Sincere Sole suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders immediately provided medical assistance, and she was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but despite life-saving efforts, Sincere was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The death of Sincere has stunned the community, leaving friends, family, and residents searching for answers as the investigation continues. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief from local residents and led to concerns over the rising level of violence in Fort Wayne.

Immediate Response and Investigation into the Fatal Shooting

Upon receiving the call about the shooting at the Black Pine Flats apartment complex, the FWPD immediately dispatched officers to the scene. The shooting occurred in an apartment complex located on Fayette Drive, a residential area where many families and individuals live. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Sincere Sole, 16, suffering from a gunshot wound. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, and emergency services were called immediately. Sincere was found in critical condition, and medical personnel rushed her to a local hospital in hopes of saving her life. Tragically, despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.

In the early hours of February 6, 2025, the Fort Wayne Homicide Task Force, which is dedicated to investigating homicides and violent crimes, launched an intense investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation led to the identification of a 16-year-old male suspect, who was apprehended by the FWPD at approximately 2:50 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6.

The suspect’s name has not been made public, as he is a minor and has been arrested under juvenile justice protocols. He is currently in custody at the Allen County Juvenile Center. As of now, he faces serious charges of felony murder and robbery. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not yet disclosed further details surrounding the specific motive for the shooting or the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the victim.

Charges and Legal Implications for the Juvenile Suspect

The suspect, whose identity remains confidential due to his age, faces felony murder and robbery charges in connection with the shooting of Sincere Sole. While the exact motive for the crime has not been revealed, authorities suspect that the shooting may have occurred in the course of a robbery or other violent act. As the investigation continues, police have indicated that additional charges may be brought against the juvenile suspect depending on further developments and new evidence.

Felony murder is a serious charge in which a person can be held criminally responsible for the death of another during the commission of a serious crime, such as robbery. In this case, the suspect could face a lengthy sentence if convicted, even though he is a minor. The legal consequences for juveniles involved in violent crimes like this one are often complicated, and the suspect’s case will be processed through the juvenile court system.

Robbery charges stem from the possibility that the shooting was not a random act of violence but a planned criminal act in which the victim was targeted for her belongings or other personal gain. However, authorities have not released definitive details on what the suspect allegedly stole or if the victim was involved in any way with the suspect before the shooting. Investigators are still piecing together evidence and testimony to better understand what led up to Sincere’s death.

FWPD Homicide Unit Continues Investigation

The Fort Wayne Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively working to uncover more details about the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Sincere Sole. As of now, the police have not revealed information about any potential accomplices or further details about the circumstances that preceded the tragic event. Witnesses to the shooting are being interviewed, and forensic evidence is being collected to help build a clearer picture of what transpired on the evening of February 5.

Additionally, the Fort Wayne Police Department has urged anyone with relevant information regarding the shooting or the suspect’s possible involvement to come forward. Citizens with any knowledge of the suspect’s actions or any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything suspicious on the night of the shooting are encouraged to contact the FWPD directly or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.

The investigation is still in its early stages, and authorities have emphasized that more charges may be considered as more information becomes available. As is often the case in ongoing homicide investigations, the details of the crime and the motives behind it may take time to uncover.

Sincere Sole’s Family and Community Mourns

Sincere Sole’s untimely death has left her family and friends devastated, as well as the broader Fort Wayne community, which continues to mourn the loss of a bright young life. In the days following the shooting, her loved ones expressed shock and sorrow over her death, remembering her as a caring, bright, and talented young woman with a promising future ahead of her. Those who knew her described Sincere as a person with an infectious smile and a warm, loving nature, making her death all the more heartbreaking.

In the wake of this tragic event, Sincere’s family has been vocal about their grief, calling for justice and accountability. As of now, they are focused on honoring Sincere’s memory while dealing with the unimaginable loss of a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.

Many local residents have also expressed their condolences on social media and in person. A vigil for Sincere is expected to be held, where community members can gather to remember her life and reflect on the loss of a young individual whose life was cut short by senseless violence.

The Broader Impact on Fort Wayne and Calls for Justice

The shooting that claimed the life of Sincere Sole has sparked discussions throughout Fort Wayne about gun violence and safety in the community. In response to the rising levels of violent crime, local leaders and community advocates have called for a renewed focus on crime prevention, particularly targeting juveniles involved in criminal activities. Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and other local officials have expressed their sorrow at Sincere’s death and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the causes of violence in the city.

The Fort Wayne community, especially its youth, is being urged to come together to prevent further tragedies like this one. Many are calling for more programs that offer alternatives to violence and a renewed commitment to addressing the root causes of crime in the city.

As of now, the investigation continues, and more information is expected to be released in the coming days. Updates on the case, including potential further developments and charges, will be made available as the situation evolves.

Seeking Justice: A Developing Story

This is a developing story, and more details will be provided as new information emerges from the Fort Wayne Police Department. Authorities remain focused on gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and determining the full scope of events that led to the death of Sincere Sole. Investigators have also reiterated their plea for any members of the public who have knowledge of the incident to come forward, urging the community to work together to bring justice for Sincere.

This tragic event continues to unfold, and the residents of Fort Wayne are left grappling with the consequences of this heartbreaking crime. As the investigation advances, many hope that those responsible will be held accountable, and the memory of Sincere Sole will be honored by a community determined to combat the violence that claimed her life.