Mailbox shooting: A dad’s journey for healing & relocation

My real name is James Holder. I currently reside in Indianapolis. Occupation was forklift driver. But I’ve been working on a light hearted stand up. As my goal is to bring a lil smile to anyone’s face I come across. Which makes what I’m about to say all the more confusing and painful enough to me question my belief in humanity.

On July 22, 2025 I was one of the victims in a senseless shooting that left me with a bullet in my spine.

While trying to de-escalate an argument that ensued over a man having a bad day not a mailbox. I was shot at 3x hit once and my brother was shot 4x.

I lost my job, I’m currently practically paralyzed and my babies (5yr old girl, 3yr old boy, 1yr old baby boy) currently having to adjust to not being able to jump on and play with daddy as much. That’s one of the hardest parts as I was present in my kids life every day and now my feels she has to hug n tell me she loves me every day , while my baby boys notice the pain in my eyes when I try to show them man are tough so it’s ok to play like young man.

Im asking for help for medical bills, I want to move out this neighborhood, and most importantly to show my daughter who starts kindergarten this year, everything is ok. And maybe just maybe she remembers all the blessings this year and hopefully forgets about the senseless violence that happened when she was 5.

Thanks to all for your consideration and may god bless those who choose to bless those in need.

#GodBless