Deandra “MooMoo” Clay-Staples Was Found Shot in the Snow — DNA May Hold the Key
Indianapolis, Indiana — January 11, 2025
Fourteen-year-old Deandra “MooMoo” Clay-Staples was found lying outside in the snow on a bitter January morning in Indianapolis.
She had been shot twice in the head.
But investigators also found evidence suggesting Deandra fought whoever attacked her.
Deandra Is Found at the Laurelwood Apartments
Around 11 a.m. on January 11, 2025, Deandra’s body was discovered in the courtyard of the Laurelwood Apartments in the 1400 block of Salisbury Lane on Indianapolis’ south side.
An autopsy revealed that the 14-year-old had suffered 2 gunshot wounds to the head. She also had scratches and a broken hand.
Most significantly, investigators recovered foreign DNA from underneath Deandra’s fingernails.
Her family believes that evidence shows how fiercely she fought her attacker.
Her Family Believes She May Have Been Lured Away
Deandra had left home the previous night, January 10, with a group of other young people.
Her family believes she may have been deliberately lured from home.
In the months after her murder, relatives turned over text messages, social media posts, and screenshots from a video that was later deleted. According to her family, that digital trail may be connected to information Deandra had about a possible robbery.
Despite the physical evidence, the DNA, and the electronic trail her family says was left behind, no suspect has been publicly identified and no arrest has been made.
Remembering “MooMoo”
Deandra was only a freshman.
Known affectionately as “MooMoo,” she loved dancing and was a member of G3 Steppers — Girls Growing into Greatness.
Her murder devastated her family and sparked vigils, balloon releases, and community conversations about the gun violence taking young lives across Indianapolis.
Her loved ones have also been vocal about their frustration as they continue waiting for someone to be held responsible.
A 14-year-old girl left home on a Friday night.
By Saturday morning, she had been found outside in the snow with 2 gunshot wounds to her head.
But whoever attacked Deandra may have left something behind.
Their DNA.
More than a year later, her murder remains unsolved.
Anyone with information about the murder of Deandra “MooMoo” Clay-Staples is asked to contact IMPD Homicide Detective Douglas Swails at 317-327-3475 or [email protected].
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477 (TIPS).
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