In a tragic continuation of escalating violence in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 18-year-old Corbin Scott Cornett was identified as the latest victim of gun violence. Cornett was fatally shot south of downtown Fort Wayne early Saturday morning, November 9, in what the Allen County Coroner has since ruled a homicide. This incident marks the 38th homicide in Allen County for the year 2024, a grim milestone that has spurred concern across the community. Law enforcement officials are now focused on solving the case, while community leaders and residents grapple with the growing toll of gun violence on the city’s youth.
Incident Details and Initial Police Response
The shooting occurred just after midnight on Saturday near the intersection of Huestis Avenue and Broadway, an area that has seen a recent increase in crime and police presence. Shortly after the shooting, Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) officers were alerted by multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the vicinity. Responding officers arrived within minutes and found Cornett lying in a vacant lot between residential buildings, unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Medics arrived promptly, but it was too late to save the young man; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses initially provided limited information, and police set up a perimeter to collect forensic evidence and prevent further interference with the crime scene. Investigators canvassed the area, hoping to identify potential witnesses or locate surveillance footage that might provide clues as to the identity of the shooter.
Victim Identification and Coroner’s Report
On Tuesday, the Allen County Coroner’s Office officially identified the victim as Corbin Scott Cornett, a Fort Wayne resident. The coroner determined that Cornett’s death resulted from multiple gunshot wounds, classifying his death as a homicide. Cornett’s tragic passing marked the 38th homicide in Allen County in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for solutions to the persistent violence affecting Fort Wayne.
Corbin Cornett’s family has requested privacy as they process the loss of their son and brother, who was known to be a respectful, bright young man with a promising future. Cornett had recently graduated high school and was reportedly exploring opportunities for higher education or trade work. His sudden death has left his family, friends, and the community devastated, with many questioning the broader impact of violence on the city’s youth.
Community and Law Enforcement Reactions
Fort Wayne Police Chief Steve Reed addressed the media, expressing condolences to Cornett’s family and emphasizing the department’s commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice. Chief Reed acknowledged the increase in violent crime in recent years, particularly among young adults and teenagers. “This is another tragic reminder of the impact of gun violence on our community,” Reed said. “We must work together to address the root causes and prevent further tragedies like this.”
Community leaders echoed these sentiments, with several local organizations calling for stronger community policing efforts, youth engagement programs, and economic support for underserved neighborhoods where violence is more prevalent. Local ministers and activists held a small vigil near the site of the shooting on Tuesday evening, with attendees calling for peace and remembrance of the lives lost to senseless violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal for Public Assistance
The FWPD’s Homicide Unit has taken the lead in the investigation. Although the police have refrained from disclosing many details due to the active status of the case, they confirmed that they are examining multiple leads and working closely with the coroner’s office to establish a clear timeline of events.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Cornett may have been targeted by individuals familiar with the area, but detectives have not ruled out other possibilities, such as a robbery gone wrong or a dispute that escalated unexpectedly. Despite a handful of witnesses at the scene, investigators have faced challenges in securing reliable information from those who may have seen the shooting unfold. According to detectives, fear of retaliation has made some individuals reluctant to provide statements, a common obstacle in cases involving gang-related or interpersonal violence.
The police are urging anyone with knowledge of Cornett’s activities prior to the shooting or information about suspicious individuals in the area to come forward. FWPD has set up an anonymous tip line through Crime Stoppers, allowing residents to share information without fear of exposure or retaliation. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 260-436-7867 or directly to the Fort Wayne Police Department at 260-427-1201.
Community Reflections on the Rising Toll of Youth Violence
Cornett’s death has brought renewed attention to the plight of young adults in Fort Wayne who find themselves vulnerable to street violence. In recent years, Fort Wayne has seen a steady increase in gun-related incidents, especially those involving teenagers and young men. Community organizations and social service providers have been vocal about the need for increased investment in youth-oriented programs, better mental health resources, and initiatives aimed at preventing gang involvement.
Mayor Tom Henry, in a statement following Cornett’s death, reiterated the city’s commitment to public safety and the importance of addressing both the symptoms and the causes of youth violence. “We mourn Corbin Cornett, and we stand with his family and friends,” Mayor Henry stated. “The City of Fort Wayne remains dedicated to providing support to families affected by violence and finding long-term solutions that will make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.”
Several community leaders have pointed to economic hardship, lack of educational and recreational resources, and limited employment opportunities as factors contributing to youth violence. They argue that these issues must be addressed holistically to ensure that young people like Cornett are not deprived of opportunities and left vulnerable to violence.
Support and Remembrance for Corbin Cornett’s Family and Friends
Following the confirmation of Cornett’s death, an outpouring of support from friends, teachers, and community members surfaced on social media. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to assist the family with funeral expenses, and local organizations have organized a memorial walk scheduled for later this month. Cornett’s family members, while still in shock, have expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing their desire to honor Corbin’s memory and continue to push for an end to gun violence.
Pastor Marcellus Perkins, who has known the Cornett family for years, organized a candlelight vigil in Corbin’s memory. Addressing the gathering, Pastor Perkins emphasized the importance of unity and accountability within the community. “Corbin was a son, a friend, and a dreamer,” Perkins said. “We owe it to him to fight for a better, safer community for all our children. His life was cut short, but we can honor his memory by standing together and advocating for change.”
Efforts to Prevent Future Tragedies
Local organizations, including Stop the Violence Fort Wayne and Youth Outreach of Allen County, have announced plans to expand their services and increase their engagement with young people in vulnerable areas. These initiatives aim to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and access to resources that can help guide at-risk youth away from crime and violence.
Stop the Violence Fort Wayne has intensified its campaign efforts, holding workshops and partnering with local schools to educate students about conflict resolution and non-violent problem-solving. Community advocates hope these efforts will inspire systemic change and create an environment where young people like Cornett can feel secure, supported, and hopeful for their futures.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning, Determined to Seek Justice
As Fort Wayne grapples with the loss of yet another young life, residents remain committed to ending the cycle of violence. Corbin Cornett’s death has left an indelible mark on the community, adding urgency to ongoing discussions about how to address gun violence, improve safety, and build stronger support systems for the city’s youth.
The Fort Wayne Police Department continues to follow leads and pledges to keep the public informed as more information emerges in Cornett’s case. In the meantime, Fort Wayne mourns another promising life cut short, united in grief and a collective determination to seek justice, accountability, and lasting change.
