An Indiana man will spend decades behind bars after shooting his estranged wife while she was five months pregnant, an attack that seriously injured her and resulted in the death of the unborn child. Jeremy McBride, 37, was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and feticide. He received 30 years for attempted murder and nine years for feticide, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently. According to the sentencing order, McBride was credited for 395 days already served, along with an additional 131 days.
Shooting on Pleasant Run Parkway
As previously reported by Law&Crime, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded around 6 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2025, to a shooting in the 700 block of East Pleasant Run Parkway. When officers arrived, they found Kayla Netherland, 25, suffering from gunshot wounds inside a bathroom. She was transported to a hospital, where doctors were able to stabilize her condition but were unable to save the baby.
Witness Account and Arrest
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, a friend of Netherland arrived at the home around the time of the shooting and encountered McBride standing over her. The friend later told police she believed he was responsible. Authorities used license plate reader technology to locate McBride’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
Police said McBride exited the vehicle, which then rolled forward and struck a pole. He reportedly told an officer he had planned to turn himself in and indicated that the firearm used in the shooting was inside the car. Officers recovered the weapon and handwritten notes addressed to Netherland discussing their relationship.
Notes Reveal Frustration and Intent
Detectives said the notes described McBride’s frustrations over the couple’s failed marriage and his anger regarding Netherland’s pregnancy by another man. After being advised of his rights, McBride allegedly told investigators he was upset that although they were still legally married, she had become pregnant. The couple had separated in September 2024, though he reportedly hoped they might reconcile.
Investigators allege McBride admitted purchasing a gun and ammunition days before the shooting with the intent to kill Netherland, the unborn child, and himself. According to the affidavit, the two had been together earlier that day and returned to her home after shopping. Authorities say he fired multiple shots at her while she was in the bathroom.
Prosecutor and Medical Response
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears told local Fox affiliate WXIN that the case demonstrated deliberate planning. Following the shooting, Netherland underwent multiple surgeries, including procedures related to the loss of the pregnancy and treatment for internal injuries.
