CORYDON, Ind. (WDRB) -- Bryce Gerlach was supposed to play his final home football game Friday night at Corydon Central High School, a senior night sendoff for the man known as an outstanding student and player.

But Gerlach was shot and killed Saturday night at Harvest Homecoming in downtown New Albany in what New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey called a "senseless act of violence."

"Multiple gunshots" were reported at 9:53 p.m. Saturday in the area of State Street and Black Avenue, as well as the carnival/ride area of Harvest, Bailey said during a press briefing Sunday morning. Police believe there was a dispute between "at least two groups of individuals" that led to shots being fired. After the shooting, Bailey said all suspects, described as Black males in their late teens to early 20s, fled the scene. 

The police chief noted that at the time of the shooting, there were multiple employees, police officers and security personnel in "close proximity" to the area of the shooting who were able to immediately begin life-saving measures for those injured.

At Corydon Central on Monday, a makeshift memorial was set up, a heartbreaking symbol of a life cut short. Friends described Gerlach as a people person, always offering encouragement.

Memorial for Bryce Gerlach

At Corydon Central High School, a makeshift memorial was set up in honor of Bryce Gerlach, who was shot and killed near Harvest Homecoming in New Albany. Oct. 14, 2024 (WDRB Photo)

"He was always talking to people, interacting in same way," said Maxx Jones, a friend of Gerlach's. "He always had a smile on his face."

In additional to Gerlach, there were two other victims wounded in the shooting. Bailey said Monday a 22-year-old man remains in the hospital with "serious" injuries after being shot in the "lower extremities," but his injuries aren't thought to be life-threatening. And a 42-year-old woman, Bailey said, also had a wound to her lower extremities and has been treated and released.

Police believe all three victims were innocent bystanders who were not related to the dispute that led to the shooting, and officers learned through witnesses that there were likely multiple shooters firing from different locations, Bailey said. While he couldn't confirm an exact number of shooters, he said there were "at least two."

Investigators initially thought the shots were only fired from the area behind the Scribner House at State and Main streets, and from the parking lot of the Floyd County YMCA, which is also located at State and Main streets. Bailey said investigators believe there may have been another individual firing from within the carnival area.

Organizers for Harvest Homecoming ultimately canceled the last day of the festival on Sunday following the shooting. 

"We've enjoyed a safe Harvest Homecoming for nearly 57 years, but sadly, this type of gun violence is now all too common across the United States," New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan said in a written statement Sunday. "Gun violence at a family festival is heartbreaking and tragic, and our country must find a way to come together to stop this type of violence." 

A candlelight vigil was held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds in Corydon on Sunday night. Hundreds of people showed up in support. They walked from the fairgrounds, past his family's home, and to the football field with candles.

Gerlach played a football game the night before the shooting and was eager about his future in the sport he loved.

New Albany shooting - Oct. 12.jpg Harvest Homecoming 2024

Police are investigating after a shooting in New Albany, Indiana during Harvest Homecoming on Oct. 12, 2024. (WDRB image)

"His father told me they were meeting this week to talk to recruiters about where to play at the college level," Mark Eastridge, superintendent of the South Harrison Community School Corporation, said Monday.

Grief counselors were brought in Monday to speak to the students at Corydon Central, and now, the Gerlach family is preparing for his funeral, determined to focus on love and resilience rather than allowing evil to take center stage.

"His father told me that this is an example where evil will not win," Eastridge said. "Good and love will triumph."

Bailey said several "persons of interest" have been identified, but further details about those individuals, or what may have led to their identification as a person of interest, are unavailable as the investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone with any information related to the shooting should call New Albany Police at 812-944-6411. 

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