Indianapolis man charged with murder for allegedly shooting 3 Dutch soldiers, 1 fatally

INDIANAPOLIS (TCD) -- A 22-year-old man was taken into custody this week after he allegedly shot three Dutch soldiers outside a hotel, killing one of them.

On Monday, Aug. 29, the Indianapolis Police Department announced Shamar Duncan was arrested for his alleged connection to the death of the soldier and injuring two others. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office formally charged him Thursday, Sept. 1, with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and disorderly conduct.

The shooting reportedly occurred Saturday, Aug. 27, at around 4 a.m. on the 100 block of South Meridian Street. Responding officers found three people suffering from gunshot wounds and emergency services transported them all to nearby hospitals. One victim died and the other two were listed in critical condition.

According to WXIN-TV, the soldier who died was identified as 26-year-old Simmie Poetsema. The soldiers were reportedly staying at the Hampton Inn in Indianapolis while participating in combat training at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.

Poetsema and the other two Dutchmen reportedly got into a confrontation with Duncan and his friends, which is what allegedly led to the gunfire.

One of the injured soldiers has returned to the Netherlands, while the other is expected to fly back this week.

The Indianapolis Star reports Poetsema died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

A witness reportedly told Indianapolis Police that Duncan and his friends were "looking for trouble" the night of the fatal shooting.

When one of Duncan’s friends confronted him about firing the gun, Duncan allegedly replied, "I just spazzed."

Poetsema was reportedly a member of the Commando Corps in the Royal Netherlands Army.

MORE:

• IMPD makes arrest in Saturday morning shooting downtown - Indianapolis Police Department
• Shamar Duncan Charged - Marion County Prosecutor's Office
• Man charged with murder, attempted murder in shooting of Dutch soldiers - WXIN
• Man accused of shooting Dutch commando was 'looking for trouble,' court documents state - Indianapolis Star
• Dutch Defense Ministry Twitter