A quiet Thursday evening in Lafayette, Indiana, turned into a scene of tragedy on December 5, 2024, when gunfire erupted at a laundromat on South Street, leaving one man dead, two individuals injured, and the alleged shooter in critical condition after attempting to take his own life. The Tippecanoe County Coroner, Carrie Costello, later identified the deceased victim as 35-year-old Keith Ford, a resident of Lafayette whose untimely death has left the community grappling with grief.
The Lafayette Police Department (LPD) reported that the incident began around 7:40 p.m. at the Lafayette Laundromat, a popular facility formerly known as Maytag Laundromat, located at 3100 South Street. Officers responding to the scene found Keith Ford critically injured in the parking lot outside the laundromat. Despite efforts to save his life, Ford succumbed to his wounds shortly after being transported to IU Arnett Hospital.
Inside the laundromat, the chaos continued. Two other individuals, identified as Renee Martin, 32, and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, 30, were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel rushed them to a local hospital, where they are currently reported to be in stable condition. Meanwhile, the alleged shooter, a man whose name has not yet been released, was discovered with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition under police custody.
The suspect, who police confirmed is a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, is now at the center of a multi-jurisdictional investigation as law enforcement agencies work to piece together the events that led to this devastating act of violence. Investigators are collaborating with the Lincoln Police Department to uncover details about the shooter’s background, potential motives, and any connections to the victims.
At present, authorities have not confirmed whether the victims and the alleged gunman knew each other prior to the shooting or what may have prompted the incident. Speculation within the community ranges from the possibility of a targeted attack to a random act of violence, but police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that it is too early to draw conclusions.
Witnesses at the scene described a terrifying ordeal. Local resident Diane Hughes, who was doing laundry with her teenage son when the shooting began, recounted the harrowing moments. “We were just folding clothes when we heard the first shot. At first, I thought it was a car backfiring, but then there were more shots, and people started screaming and running,” Hughes said. “I grabbed my son, and we hid behind a row of washing machines. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”
Another witness, 26-year-old Jacob Ortiz, who was in the parking lot at the time of the shooting, said he saw Keith Ford collapse after being shot. “It all happened so fast,” Ortiz recalled. “I saw a man fall to the ground, and then the shooter turned the gun on himself. It was like something out of a nightmare. I just froze—I didn’t know what to do.”
As the investigation progresses, authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could shed light on the case. The Lafayette Police Department has set up a hotline for tips and is encouraging witnesses or anyone with relevant details to come forward. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department’s website.
This tragic event has left the Lafayette community reeling. Keith Ford’s death has struck a particularly painful chord among residents who knew him. Friends and family have described Ford as a kind-hearted individual with a contagious smile and a willingness to help anyone in need. “Keith was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said longtime friend Marcus Hayes. “He didn’t deserve this. None of them did.”
Renee Martin and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes, who are both recovering in the hospital, are said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, but the emotional scars of the ordeal may take far longer to heal. Martin, a single mother of two, was reportedly at the laundromat preparing for an upcoming trip with her children. De La Cruz Reyes, a construction worker who had stopped by after work to wash his uniforms, is described by friends as a hardworking and dedicated father.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about gun violence and public safety in Lafayette, a city that has not traditionally been associated with high levels of violent crime. Mayor Tony Roswarski issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirming the city’s commitment to addressing violence in the community. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this senseless tragedy,” Roswarski said. “We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that justice is served and that our community remains a safe place for all.”
The shooting at Lafayette Laundromat is the latest in a string of violent incidents across the nation that have reignited debates over gun control and mental health resources. While the motive in this particular case remains unclear, experts point to the importance of early intervention and access to mental health care as critical components of preventing such tragedies.
Dr. Emily Harper, a psychologist specializing in trauma and violence, emphasized the need for community-based approaches to addressing the underlying factors that contribute to violent behavior. “Incidents like these are often the result of a complex interplay of factors, including unresolved personal grievances, mental health struggles, and access to firearms,” Harper said. “While we may never fully understand what drove this individual to commit such a horrific act, we can and must do more to create systems of support that can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”
In the meantime, the community of Lafayette is coming together to support the victims and their families. A candlelight vigil is being organized to honor Keith Ford and to pray for the recovery of Renee Martin and Salvador Antonio De La Cruz Reyes. Local businesses have also stepped up to provide financial assistance to the victims’ families, with several establishments pledging to donate a portion of their proceeds to help cover medical and funeral expenses.
As the investigation continues, questions remain about what could have been done to prevent this tragedy and how the community can move forward in its aftermath. For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and providing support to those affected by this senseless act of violence.
The Lafayette Police Department has pledged to keep the public informed as new details emerge, and the Tippecanoe County community is determined to honor the memory of Keith Ford while working toward healing and resilience. In the words of one resident, “We may be shaken, but we are not broken. We will get through this together.”
