Exclusive Zoom Interview: Danis Caleero Reveals Moments After Shooting and Update on Daughter’s Condition
- A 2-year-old girl in Elkhart, Indiana, was shot while sleeping in her home on West Garfield Avenue on June 24, 2026, according to the Elkhart County Homicide Unit.
- The incident occurred in the early morning hours, with Caleero discovering his daughter injured after hearing gunfire.
- The shooting has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Indiana, particularly in residential areas.
A 2-year-old girl in Elkhart, Indiana, was shot while sleeping in her home on West Garfield Avenue on June 24, 2026, according to the Elkhart County Homicide Unit. Her father, Danis Caleero, described the moments after the shooting in an exclusive Zoom interview, providing an update on his daughter’s condition through a local news outlet.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours, with Caleero discovering his daughter injured after hearing gunfire. Authorities confirmed the shooting as a homicide investigation, though no arrests have been made public. Caleero’s account, shared with WNDU, highlights the emotional toll of the tragedy as the family awaits medical updates from Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where the child remains hospitalized.
The shooting has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Indiana, particularly in residential areas. Local law enforcement has not released additional details about suspects or motives, but community leaders have called for increased safety measures in neighborhoods affected by such incidents.
Below, verified details from the interview and official statements clarify the timeline, medical updates, and law enforcement response.
A father’s account: What happened during the shooting?
Danis Caleero told WNDU that he was asleep when he heard gunfire around 2:30 a.m. on June 24. He rushed to his daughter’s room and found her bleeding, later confirming she had been shot. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, transporting her to Riley Children’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Caleero described the scene as "horrifying," emphasizing the unpredictability of the attack. "One minute you’re sleeping, the next everything changes," he said. The Elkhart County Homicide Unit confirmed the investigation remains active, with no suspects identified at this time.
Medical updates: How serious is the child’s condition?
Riley Children’s Hospital has not provided specific details about the toddler’s prognosis, citing patient privacy laws. However, sources close to the family indicate she remains in critical but stable condition, with doctors monitoring her recovery closely. The hospital has not released a statement beyond confirming her admission.
Law enforcement response: What are authorities doing?
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, working alongside the Elkhart Police Department. Authorities have not disclosed whether the shooting was targeted or random, though neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area earlier that night. The unit has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Community reaction: Why is this incident raising alarms?
The shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence in Elkhart, where residential shootings have increased by 18% over the past year, according to local crime data. Community leaders, including Elkhart Mayor Mark Thomas, have called for stricter enforcement of firearm laws and expanded neighborhood watch programs.
What comes next?
The investigation remains in its early stages, with no arrests or public charges filed. Caleero has requested privacy for his family during this difficult time, though he has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support. Authorities have not set a timeline for releasing additional details, but they continue to urge witnesses to contact law enforcement.
A 2-year-old girl in Elkhart, Indiana, was shot while sleeping in her home on West Garfield Avenue on June 24, 2026, according to the Elkhart County Homicide Unit. Her father, Danis Caleero, described the moments after the shooting in an exclusive Zoom interview, providing an update on his daughter’s condition through a local news outlet.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours, with Caleero discovering his daughter injured after hearing gunfire. Authorities confirmed the shooting as a homicide investigation, though no arrests have been made public. Caleero’s account, shared with WNDU, highlights the emotional toll of the tragedy as the family awaits medical updates from Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, where the child remains hospitalized.
The shooting has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about gun violence in Indiana, particularly in residential areas. Local law enforcement has not released additional details about suspects or motives, but community leaders have called for increased safety measures in neighborhoods affected by such incidents.
Below, verified details from the interview and official statements clarify the timeline, medical updates, and law enforcement response.
What happened during the shooting?
Danis Caleero told WNDU that he was asleep when he heard gunfire around 2:30 a.m. on June 24. He rushed to his daughter’s room and found her bleeding, later confirming she had been shot. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, transporting her to Riley Children’s Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
Caleero described the scene as “horrifying,” emphasizing the unpredictability of the attack. “One minute you’re sleeping, the next everything changes,” he said. The Elkhart County Homicide Unit confirmed the investigation remains active, with no suspects identified at this time.
How serious is the child’s condition?
Riley Children’s Hospital has not provided specific details about the toddler’s prognosis, citing patient privacy laws. However, sources close to the family indicate she remains in critical but stable condition, with doctors monitoring her recovery closely. The hospital has not released a statement beyond confirming her admission.
What are authorities doing?
The Elkhart County Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, working alongside the Elkhart Police Department. Authorities have not disclosed whether the shooting was targeted or random, though neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area earlier that night. The unit has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Why is this incident raising alarms?
The shooting has reignited discussions about gun violence in Elkhart, where residential shootings have increased by 18% over the past year, according to local crime data. Community leaders, including Elkhart Mayor Mark Thomas, have called for stricter enforcement of firearm laws and expanded neighborhood watch programs.
What comes next?
The investigation remains in its early stages, with no arrests or public charges filed. Caleero has requested privacy for his family during this difficult time, though he has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support. Authorities have not set a timeline for releasing additional details, but they continue to urge witnesses to contact law enforcement.