Patricia Hepworth Obituary, Death – The Allen County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman who died following a standoff that resulted in a police-involved shooting at a Fort Wayne apartment complex. The woman was 66-year-old Patricia Hepworth from Fort Wayne. The coroner’s report stated that Hepworth died from multiple gunshot wounds, and her death was classified as “homicide-police action.” This incident marks the second homicide in Allen County in 2025.
The situation began on Wednesday afternoon when police were called to an apartment complex on Harris Road due to reports of a barricaded individual armed with a knife. Parole officers at the scene informed the police that Hepworth had a warrant for a felony parole violation. Despite several attempts to contact Hepworth, police were unsuccessful, and the situation escalated, leading to Hepworth being shot by officers. Emergency medical services transported her to a hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
During the incident, an officer sustained minor injuries, although the details of how the injury occurred have not been disclosed. The Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD), in collaboration with the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Allen County Coroner’s Office, is investigating the incident. The FWPD announced that further information will be released as the investigation progresses.
Following standard protocol, the officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave. This policy is in place to allow for a thorough investigation into the use of force. The incident remains under investigation, and authorities are working to understand the full circumstances that led to the fatal outcome.