INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – An Indianapolis teenager is charged with 17 counts, including murder and armed robbery. Prosecutors said he bragged about killing three people to friends and picked his victims at random.

Jonathan Cruz, 19, will make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon. The crime spree allegedly happened over a time span of four days between May 12th to May 15th on the north and east side of Indianapolis.

Cruz is first accused of killing two men on May 12. Court documents link Cruz to the murder of Billy Boyd, who was found dead on a sidewalk, shot in the head twice. From there, Cruz is believed to have murdered Jay Higgenbotham, who had been shot multiple times. Days later, prosecutors believe he murdered Jose Ruiz.

He is also accused of committing an armed robbery May 14. A victim said he was robbed of cash and two cell phones by two men. Those men have been identified as Cruz and 18-year-old Steven Clark.

Cruz told one person he had been “purging” in reference to a movie.

“For those of you familiar with the movie ‘The Purge’ the premise of that movie was for one night each year the government would allow citizens to commit any crime without fear of prosecution,” said Terry Curry, Marion County Prosecutor.

A criminal gang enhancement has also been filed, which could result in a doubling of Cruz’s sentence, if convicted.

“Just when you think you cannot experience anything more inexplicable and shocking as we frequently do, you’re then confronted with circumstances that almost leave you at a loss for words,” said Curry.

“We couldn’t really pin point why this was occurring,” said Chief Troy Riggs, IMPD. “We were very concerned we may have additional victims.”

But investigators said someone came forward with valuable information. This person said Cruz tried to show her a video of a shooting on his phone.

Not only that, investigators also collected evidence from social media, photos, videos, and text messages. Like his alleged messages that read, “I purge every night.” and “I should go kill your step dad, but I’m most likely already going to be on the news.”

Prosecutors said Cruz also talked about leaving the state after what happened in some of those text messages.

Cruz had previously been arrested on May 16 on charges of criminal confinement, kidnapping, intimidation and battery.

“We believe this individual is in jail partly because of that good work, someone giving us information,” said Riggs.

Complete charges against Cruz:

  • Three murder charges for each of the three victims
  • Robbery resulting in serious bodily injury (attempted)
  • Two counts of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury
  • Robbery while armed
  • Intimidation
  • Two counts of pointing a firearm

He has been behind bars since May 16 on $200,000 bond.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW: