It seems lately that the news in the Indianapolis area has been reaching the national stage. You may have heard about the armed robbery at a local bank here on the Eastside of Indianapolis in which a bank teller, Katherin Shuffield, was shot in the stomach. She was carrying twins. (In fact, a very close friend of mine, John VV, is the pastor of the Aldersgate Free Methodist Church across the street from the bank. Their church inadvertantly became ground zero for the manhunt which got underway this past Tuesday morning.)
I received an email Tuesday from John which provided a bit of insight into this situation:
Greetings from the exciting eastside where we’ve seen more policemen and TV trucks that we’ve ever seen in one spot—since 9:30 this morning. As you may have heard, a bank teller who works at Huntington Bank just a few yards west of our front lawn, was shot this morning. She’s carrying twins but it appears all will survive. Needless to say, it’s been a bit hectic with Aldersgate serving as the command center, but we were so glad to provide not only the space but refreshments to those who’ve been here all day.
Unfortunately, that initial relief that the mother and children would be alright has taken a tragic turn. It was reported earlier this afternoon that Mrs. Shuffield has lost both of the twin babies.
The manhunt has continued throughout the week with gradual clues leading authorities closer to finding the shooter. But his status has now changed dramatically, from bank robber to murderer. I'll be interested to see how this development affects both the manhunt and prosecution of those responsible for this heinous crime.
As you've read from me before, it is always interesting to me that the unborn fetus takes on full human status when its life is taken at the hands at the criminal. But when it comes to abortion, it's not a crime; it's a choice. How is it that we've become so desensitized to this?
(On a personal note: Speaking of desensitization, it just occurred to me how much my own conscience has begun to atrophy. I knew about this story on Tuesday, but did not deem it blog-worthy only because these kinds of shootings are becoming so much more commonplace it seems, even here in Indianapolis. It was until the babies died that this story warranted my attention and your attention here at TDD. That's sad! When we become part of the problem, we lose our ability to become part of the solution.) 
I just read on theindychannel.com that the prosecutor wants "fetal homicide laws expanded" to increase the penalties for the death of a fetus and is supposed to hold a press conference this afternoon. I wonder if abortion will be brought up?
Posted by: Kathy | April 30, 2008 at 12:19 PM