News Summary
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged 27-year-old Larry Duerson Jr. with 11 felony counts related to two violent assaults on female runners along the Monon Trail. The attacks involved strangulation, kidnapping, and serious bodily injury, occurring near Fall Creek. Forensic evidence and DNA matching led to his arrest. Duerson has a criminal history and has admitted to assault but denied rape. The case has heightened community concerns about trail safety and ongoing investigations continue. Legal proceedings are underway with bond set at $400,000.
Indianapolis – The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has formally charged 27-year-old Larry Duerson Jr. with 11 felony counts related to two violent sexual assaults that occurred on the Monon Trail. The incidents, which took place on August 8 and August 14, 2025, specifically targeted two female runners in the early morning hours.
Initially, Duerson was booked on three charges: attempted rape, strangulation, and kidnapping. As the investigation progressed, authorities expanded the charges to include multiple counts of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, sexual battery, intimidation, and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury.
Both assaults took place near where the Monon Trail crosses Fall Creek, specifically between East 33rd and East 35th Street. Reports indicate that each victim was grabbed from behind by a stranger and forcibly dragged into nearby woods. During the attacks, both women were strangled and lost consciousness; notably, one victim sustained a traumatic brain injury. After committing the assaults, the assailant fled the scene on a bicycle.
Investigators were able to connect the two assaults based on their geographic proximity and the similar nature of the attacks. Forensic evidence obtained from the victims revealed identical DNA samples for both incidents. On August 28, 2025, law enforcement officials matched DNA found at the crime scenes to a profile of Duerson stored in law enforcement databases, leading to his arrest the same day by a task force comprised of Indianapolis police and FBI agents.
Upon being interviewed, Duerson admitted to physically assaulting the two women but denied the allegations of rape. He further disclosed that he has been facing serious mental health issues. Notably, Duerson had a prior criminal history; he had entered a plea deal on August 7, 2024, for unrelated charges that included intimidation and breaking and entering. As part of that previous case, he was scheduled for home detention until December 3, 2025.
Recent court documents filed on September 2 revealed that Duerson’s residence is located approximately a block away from the site of the assaults. His initial court hearing took place on September 3, 2025, and at that time, no defense attorney was listed on his behalf. His next court appearance is set for September 24, 2025, to discuss the status of legal representation.
In light of the serious charges, the prosecutor has sought an above-standard bond for Duerson, which has been set at $400,000. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has praised the bravery of the survivors as well as the cooperation of community members, emphasizing their crucial role in bringing charges against Duerson.
This case has raised significant concern within the community about safety on public trails, particularly regarding the vulnerabilities faced by female runners and other outdoor enthusiasts. As authorities continue to investigate, they encourage anyone with further information related to these incidents to come forward.
The charges against Duerson represent a serious legal proceeding as law enforcement and the judicial system work to bring justice to the victims of these violent crimes.
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Additional Resources
- IndyStar: Charges Filed Against Larry Duerson
- WISH TV: Monon Trail Sexual Assaults
- WTHR: Arrest Made in Monon Trail Assaults
- Google Search: Monon Trail Indianapolis assaults
- Current: Man Charged with Monon Trail Assaults
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Assault
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
