CORYDON, Ind. — New Albany Police told WHAS11 News on Wednesday the department is working with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Louisville Metro Police (LMPD), in an effort to quickly solve the fatal shooting that happened at Harvest Homecoming Saturday evening.
Bryce Gerlach, 18, was fatally shot that evening and two others were badly injured.
On Sunday, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said there were persons of interest, at least two groups were involved in some type of dispute, leading to several shooters firing from different locations.
In a weekly news briefing in Louisville Wednesday, LMPD talked about the shooting.
"We hold a weekly shooting review where we meet with local law enforcement, federal law enforcement, as well as agencies across the river to discuss recent violent crime and try to connect those dots," LMPD deputy chief Emily McKinley said. "And so that's exactly what's happening in relation to that shooting and other shootings and other violent crimes that have happened within our community."
"Here we are with gun violence, senseless gun violence in our community," Alkeisha Boone, the president of Mothers for Murdered Sons and Daughters of Kentucky (M.O.M.S.), said.
Boone heard about Saturday's shooting and was shocked, saying that kind of violence is not common over the river. She called for action and for the community to keep each other in check.
"This just let us know that gun violence does not have a color on it, does not have a gender on it," said Boone. "Hopefully whoever had seen anything that happened that night, that they come out and let the police know. Because we don't want this to go to an unsolved murder that we are having within our communities today."
While the community waits for answers, they do what they can to help the grieving family. Rita's Taco Shop held a fundraiser Tuesday for Bryce Gerlach, or as they refer to him, their "best customer." They sold his order, an ACP dish, to donate the funds to his family.
"It was his favorite dish," manager Sarah De La Torre said. "We'd seen him quite often and he had one dish he always ordered. It never changed."
De La Torre said Gerlach would come in two to five times a week and order carryout, coming in either before or after football practice. Workers said he would always come in with a smile and was very polite.
"The waiters all knew him so as soon as he'd walk in, they'd have his ACP cooking already because they knew he was going to order it," said De La Torre with a smile. "It's sad to know that we're not going to see him anymore...let alone knowing his parents aren't ever going to see him again."
The kitchen cooked plenty of ACPs; over 1,000 to be exact. An ACP costs about $9.89 before tax. Workers said they had 100 called in orders by the time they opened Tuesday and had multiple calls trying to order in advance along with lines wrapping the restaurant.
Over in Corydon, Shireman's Farm Market has a new message across their sign at the road: "Bryce Gerlach #12, Fly High, Corydon Strong".
"It's what people see when they come into the town of Corydon," said Laura Shireman, who is a part of the family-owned business. "And I knew that would make a statement to not only the family, but to our community."
Shireman knew Gerlach well. The former teacher had him in her class multiple times. Her son played on the football team with Gerlach.
The market has put a donation bin up at the register, accepting loose change and cash to go toward the Gerlach family. The bin will be out for another week or so, and the business will match the amount by up to $500.
"There's so many businesses here not only in our community, but in Southern Indiana that have done their own part or are wanting to do their own part and we have people that donate change and that's fine too," said Shireman. "People just want to help in a situation."
Now, the Corydon community prepares for the upcoming Senior Night football game Friday evening at Corydon Central High School. Posted on the Corydon Central Athletics Facebook page was a schedule and information on the game.
- 5:00 p.m. - East & West gates open for Admission
- 6:30 p.m. - Senior Night Ceremony
- 7:00 p.m. - Kickoff
The post added there's an expectation for large crowds and for attendees to have patience with the workers.
"It goes without saying that many parts of the evening will be heavy on the hearts and minds of many in attendance," the post detailed. "We ask that everyone show respect for those being honored and recognized, especially when it comes to photography and video recordings."
Corydon Central faces Silver Creek High School in Friday evening's game. Silver Creek Athletics is selling bracelets in honor of Bryce Gerlach and the Corydon community, with proceeds going to the Gerlach family. Clarksville and Crawford County are honoring Gerlach as well, asking people to wear blue.
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