BEECH GROVE, Ind. — Central Indiana stood still Monday as thousands of law enforcement officers, family members, and residents gathered to say goodbye to Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott, the 37-year-old father and 11-year veteran who was shot and killed while answering a domestic call one week ago.
The sound of bagpipes filled the cold February air. A horse-drawn caisson carried Elliott’s flag-draped casket through streets lined with saluting officers from as far away as Chicago, Louisville, and Ohio. Many in the crowd openly wept as the procession passed.
“He didn’t need credit; he just needed to know the people he loved were OK,” Elliott’s best friend Joshua Shrum told the packed sanctuary at Southwood Baptist Church. “Elliott will never die that second death.”
A Hero Taken Too Soon
Brian Elliott joined the Beech Grove Police Department in 2015 after serving in the U.S. Army. Colleagues describe him as the officer who always volunteered for the tough shifts, the one who remembered kids’ names on his beat, and the guy who never missed his daughter’s dance recitals.
On February 17, Elliott and fellow Officer Jordan Smith responded to a domestic disturbance call in the 300 block of South 4th Avenue near Beech Grove High School. When they arrived, authorities say 47-year-old Kenneth Johnson opened fire through the door.
Elliott was struck multiple times and died at Eskenazi Hospital despite emergency surgery. Officer Smith was wounded but has since been released and attended Monday’s services in uniform.
Johnson now faces more than 135 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
Charges Against the Suspect
Kenneth Johnson, 47, remains held without bond at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon
- Domestic battery with a deadly weapon
- Battery with a deadly weapon
- Pointing a firearm at another person
Court records show Johnson had previous domestic incidents and was reportedly involved in a dispute with a family member at the time of the shooting.
Inside the Heart-Wrenching Service
More than 2,000 people filled Southwood Baptist Church while thousands more watched on screens outside in the parking lot.
Joshua Shrum’s words brought both tears and applause.
Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman fought back emotion as he spoke directly to Elliott’s wife and young daughter seated in the front row.
“You are Beech Grove’s family now,” Coffman said. “This community will never let you walk alone.”
Police Chief Michael Maurice promised that Elliott’s badge number will never be reassigned.
“Badge 279 is retired forever,” Maurice declared, drawing sustained applause.
The most powerful moment came when Elliott’s daughter released a single white dove outside the church as “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes.
Community Steps Up for Elliott’s Family
The Central Indiana Police Foundation has established the Officer Brian Elliott Memorial Fund. Within days, donations have surpassed $150,000 to help with funeral expenses and future needs for his wife and daughter.
Local businesses have also stepped up:
- Beech Grove Walmart donated all proceeds from Monday’s sales
- Several restaurants are donating portions of weekend earnings
- The Fraternal Order of Police launched a statewide t-shirt campaign reading “Beech Grove Strong — Forever 279”
A Loss That Hits Home Across Indiana
Monday’s funeral marked the first line-of-duty death for Beech Grove Police Department in its history. It comes just months after the department lost another officer to cancer.
Law enforcement agencies across the state sent representatives. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department provided full honors, including a 21-gun salute and helicopter flyover.
“This one hurts different,” one veteran IMPD sergeant told reporters outside the church. “Brian was one of us. Every one of us.”
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming yet unsurprising to those who knew Elliott best.
He was the officer who bought Christmas presents for kids he met on calls. The one who coached youth sports in his off time. The husband who still wrote love notes to his wife after 12 years of marriage.
On Monday, central Indiana didn’t just bury a police officer.
They buried a genuine hero who ran toward danger so the rest of us could stay safe.
Officer Brian Elliott’s watch has ended, but his name will live forever in the community he loved and protected.
Rest easy, 279. We’ve got it from here.
