Gunshots killed motorcyclist in Lawrence

A motorcyclist initially thought to have died in a crash early Thursday in Lawrence was the victim of gunshots, police said.

Shawn Green, 38, Indianapolis, had bullet wounds to the shoulder and torso when he crashed the motorcycle about 2 a.m. in the 7300 block of East 46th Street, Lawrence Police Department Deputy Chief Gary Woodruff said.

"His death was not as a result of the crash," Woodruff said. "The crash was a result of these previously sustained gunshot wounds."

Investigators don't know where Green was when he was shot. They don't  think Green was shot while driving.

Police think he might have been heading toward his home. Woodruff said it was likely that Green did not realize how serious his injuries were when he began riding the motorcycle.

Investigators urgeanyone with information about Green or his whereabouts before the crash to call Crime Stoppers, (317) 262-TIPS.

Call IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @vicryc.