# Fatal shooting investigation in Fort Wayne, Indiana

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-shooting-investigation-in-fort-wayne-indiana
> Updated: 2026-09-12T16:30:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Martell Pickens, 30, has been charged with reckless homicide in connection with the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Khadolphee Taylor in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The incident took place on May 7 around 2:45 a.m.

Court affidavits state that Pickens reported being woken by an individual attempting to break into his residence and nearby vehicles. Surveillance footage shows Pickens confronting Taylor with a .45-caliber Glock handgun. While Pickens was heard warning Taylor to ‘back up,’ Taylor continued to advance, at which point Pickens opened fire. Taylor, who was unarmed, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigators noted that Taylor appeared to be under the influence or mentally impaired at the time. Records indicate Taylor had been involved in a police traffic stop approximately 20 minutes prior to the confrontation, during which officers instructed him to walk home after his vehicle was towed.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Indiana man charged with reckless homicide after fatal shooting

An Indiana man, Martell Pickens, faces reckless homicide charges after fatally shooting an unarmed man during an alleged attempted home and vehicle break-in in Fort Wayne.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-man-charged-with-reckless-homicide-after-fatal-shooting

### 2026-09-09: Indiana homeowner charged with reckless homicide in fatal shooting

An Indiana homeowner, Martell Pickens, faces reckless homicide charges for the fatal shooting of unarmed Khadolphee Taylor during a May confrontation in Fort Wayne.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indiana-homeowner-charged-with-reckless-homicide-in-fatal-shooting

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Cite as: Fatal shooting investigation in Fort Wayne, Indiana. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fatal-shooting-investigation-in-fort-wayne-indiana