On a night meant for celebration, joy, and community togetherness, the Harvest Homecoming festival in New Albany, Indiana, turned tragic as an 18-year-old man lost his life and two others were injured in a devastating shooting. Bryce Gerlach, an 18-year-old resident of Corydon, Indiana, was fatally shot in the midst of the popular festival, an event that draws large crowds annually to the streets of New Albany.
The incident, which occurred around 9:50 PM on Saturday, near the intersection of State Street and Black Street, close to the festival rides, has sent shockwaves throughout the local community and left many in disbelief that such violence could erupt in the middle of a cherished local tradition.
The Harvest Homecoming festival, which spans several days in early October, is a well-known event in southern Indiana, attracting families, children, and visitors of all ages for carnival rides, food stands, games, and live entertainment. This particular evening, with hundreds in attendance, was meant to be a continuation of this annual celebration, but instead, it ended in chaos and loss.
Bryce Gerlach, the victim, was enjoying the festivities like many others when gunfire erupted in the crowded streets. The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) swiftly responded to multiple calls reporting shots fired at approximately 9:53 PM. Upon their arrival, officers were met with the horrific scene of Gerlach and two other bystanders—who have not been named publicly—suffering from gunshot wounds. Gerlach, despite the efforts of first responders, tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The two other victims, a 22-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, were also struck by gunfire but survived and were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities. Both individuals remain hospitalized and are receiving medical care, though their conditions are being closely monitored. Authorities have emphasized that all three victims were innocent bystanders, having no involvement in the dispute that escalated into deadly violence.
Chief Todd Bailey of the New Albany Police Department has been at the forefront of providing updates and urging the public to cooperate with investigators. In his initial statement, Chief Bailey stressed that Gerlach and the two injured individuals were not involved in any altercation. Instead, they were simply caught in the crossfire of what police now believe was a dispute between two groups of individuals. This tragic event, which unfolded in a matter of moments, has raised alarm bells for local law enforcement, city officials, and festival organizers alike.
At the heart of the investigation is the belief that multiple shooters may have been involved in the incident. Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots—some estimating as many as 10 to 15—and many noted that the shots appeared to come from different directions. Initial investigative findings suggested that gunfire originated from the area behind the historic Scribner House, which is situated near the festival grounds, and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA, another nearby location. However, in the days following the incident, investigators have expanded their theory to include the possibility of at least one other shooter firing from within the carnival area itself.
The complexity of the scene, combined with the sheer number of people present during the shooting, has made the investigation challenging. Multiple people fled the area in panic, and the large crowd scattered in different directions, making it difficult for authorities to identify potential witnesses or locate any of the individuals involved. Despite these challenges, the police have identified several “persons of interest” and are actively pursuing leads.
The suspects in the shooting are believed to be Black males in their late teens to early 20s, though no arrests have been made as of yet. Investigators are working around the clock to track down these individuals, and Chief Bailey has made it clear that they are still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous. He emphasized that the public must remain vigilant, as the suspects have shown a disregard for the safety of others and pose a continued threat to the community.
In the hours and days following the shooting, the city of New Albany has come together in grief, shock, and solidarity. Vigils have been held in honor of Bryce Gerlach, with family, friends, and community members paying their respects to the young man whose life was cut tragically short. His family, heartbroken by the loss, has called for justice while remembering Bryce as a kind-hearted, fun-loving individual with a bright future ahead of him.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Bryce, with those who knew him sharing stories of his infectious smile, his passion for sports, and his deep love for his family. One friend described him as someone who “always made people feel welcome” and who “had a way of making everyone laugh, even on the toughest days.”
The New Albany community, known for its tight-knit and supportive atmosphere, is struggling to come to terms with the fact that such a senseless act of violence could occur in their midst. Festival organizers have expressed their deepest condolences to the victims’ families and are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they review safety protocols for future events.
City officials, including Mayor Jeff Gahan, have also issued statements offering support to the victims’ families and condemning the violence that disrupted an otherwise peaceful event. The mayor has called for calm and patience as the investigation continues, and has reassured the public that the city is working closely with the New Albany Police Department to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
In the days since the shooting, law enforcement has stepped up its presence in and around the area where the festival was held, and extra patrols have been assigned to monitor upcoming public events in the city. Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting—no matter how insignificant it may seem—to come forward. Detectives have set up a dedicated tip line, and Crimestoppers is offering a reward for any information leading to an arrest.
The investigation has also prompted renewed discussions about gun violence in the community. Many residents are calling for action to prevent future tragedies, with some advocating for stricter gun control measures and more resources for law enforcement. Others are focusing on community-based solutions, such as increased investment in youth programs and initiatives aimed at curbing violence before it starts.
While the investigation into the Harvest Homecoming shooting remains ongoing, one thing is clear: the people of New Albany are determined to honor the memory of Bryce Gerlach and to ensure that his death is not in vain. Whether through increased vigilance, community engagement, or policy change, the city is united in its resolve to prevent future acts of violence and to create a safer, more peaceful environment for all.
As of now, Chief Bailey and the New Albany Police Department continue to work around the clock, reviewing footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracking down leads in an effort to bring those responsible for Bryce’s death to justice.
