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Family, friends remember North Allegheny grad shot, killed

INDIANAPOLIS — Authorities in Indianapolis continue to investigate after a 2007 North Allegheny High School graduate was shot and killed in what police believe was a robbery while he was out for his morning exercise Tuesday.

Nathan Trapuzzano, 24, was “out for his normal power walk or exercise when he was approached by two unknown suspects” shortly before 6 a.m. Tuesday on West 16th Street in the Westside area, Indianapolis Metropolitan police Sgt. Kendale Adams said Wednesday.

According to Adams, surveillance video shows one of the would-be robbers pulling a handgun.

Trapuzzano was shot once in the stomach. He was taken to Eskenazi Hospital and died at 7:40 a.m., the sergeant said.

Trapuzzano was married about a year ago, and he and his wife were expecting their first child.

“He was the kind of person to search you out.  When I first joined as a new student in elementary school, we became friends,” said Keegan King, Trapuzzano's best friend, on Thursday.

King recently saw his best friend.

“He was in town last weekend, so we got to at least catch up and talk," King said.

Trapuzzano's family released the following statement earlier this week:

“Nathan Trapuzzano was the most kind-hearted person you would ever know.  He never had an unkind thought in his head.  He was so in love wife his wife Jennifer, and unborn baby daughter, Cecelia.  He was so excited about being a new Daddy.

"The loss of this very, very special young man has been such a shock to our entire family.

"As with many tragedies, this seems so senseless and yet the outpouring of love and support reminds us that there is so much good in this world.  Nate would not want us to become angry, but rather focus on the good and what is yet to come.

"Nate had an unbelievable, strong faith in God, and we are finding some comfort knowing he is now in the Lord’s loving embrace.”

Trapuzzano graduated summa cum laude from Ball State University in 2011 with a degree in Latin, Greek and classical studies. He was employed as a computer programer by Ivy Tech and was active in pro-life issues and the Catholic church.

The following is a statement from Ivy Tech Community College:

"The Ivy Tech Community College family is shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of one of our own, Nathan Trapuzzano, a young and bright software engineer at the college.

“Nathan was an integral part of our software engineering team making significant contributions to the college in his short time with us.

“In memory of Nathan, Ivy Tech will grant a full, two-year Ivy Tech scholarship to the Trapuzzano's soon-to-be-born child.”

Trapuzzano is survived by his father, Benjamin J. Trapuzzano; mother, Cheryl A. Trapuzzano; two sisters, Rachael Pruitt and Shayne Trapuzzano; two brothers, Matthew and Christopher Trapuzzano; and his grandmothers, Mary Trapuzzno and Shirley Barnes.

The following message is being sent on behalf of Nathan’s mother:

“The family of Nathan Benjamin Trapuzzano would like to express their gratitude to the 911 caller(s), the first responders, the staff of Eskenazi Hospital and anyone else involved in the attempt to save Nathan's life.  We would also like to thank law enforcement and news personnel for their ongoing efforts in regard to his murder.”

Friends of Trapuzzano said the visitation and funeral will be Friday and Saturday in Indianapolis.

If you'd like to make a donation for Trapuzanno's funeral and unborn child -- click here.

For anyone wanting to send cards, condolences, or personal donations Trapuzzano's wife has set up a PO box:

Jennifer Trapuzzano
P.O. Box 665
Danville, Ind. 46122