An Indianapolis man got 35 years in a plea deal for a slaying near Hudson-Campbell Sports & Fitness Center in January 2023.
Keeon Lee, 29, pleaded guilty in documents filed Oct. 31 to voluntary manslaughter and a gun enhancement.
Gary Police were called at 12:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2023, to the 400 block of Massachusetts Street for a homicide. Jalen “JayBall” Hurd, 24, of Gary, was found fatally shot multiple times near the Hudson-Campbell Sports & Fitness Center, a block from City Hall.
After the hearing, relatives said the men were “acquaintances” and they heard the shooting may have been after an “argument over basketball.”
A tearful woman, who declined to provide her name, said Hurd was a “good brother” and “so genuine. We just want to know why.”
She said later they believed pictures of his body circulated on social media.
During the brief hearing, Deputy Prosecutor Shannon Phillips said the plea was after extensive negotiations. It was a “reasonable offer” and Lee “accepted responsibility.”
Defense lawyer James Thiros said Lee was facing a “significant” punishment and the prison time was “not a slap on the wrist.”
Lee declined to speak in court.
That appeared to leave Judge Natalie Bokota momentarily mystified that he would skip an opportunity to publicly say he was remorseful.
“I am hesitating,” she told him, and “a little bit surprised.”
Phillips and Thiros both noted it was mentioned in pre-sentencing interview paperwork.
The judge accepted the plea deal.
“I don’t know all the facts” behind the “horrifying crime,” Bokota said.
Thiros and prosecutors spoke privately with Bokota at a bench conference for several minutes after the sentencing.
Police were called at 12:45 p.m. to the 400 block of Massachusetts Street for a homicide. Hurd was lying on the sidewalk next to a black car. A basketball with the word “Jalen” was found nearby.
Security video appeared to show Hurd parking and going toward his trunk when a white vehicle pulls up and a man guns him down. He continued to shoot while Hurd was on the ground, according to the affidavit.
Police found 30 .223-caliber shell casings at the scene. Investigators traced the other car, a 2012 white Buick’s license plate to Lee. Investigators later discovered Lee’s car was impounded Jan. 10 and he didn’t try to get it back, charges state.
A relative wrote Hurd wanted to start a youth sports mentorship program someday.
Post-Tribune archives contributed.
mcolias@post-trib.com
Indianapolis man gets 35 years for killing near Gary fitness center
