3 suspects in murder of Chris Beaty found guilty
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A jury on Thursday night delivered guilty a trio of guilty verdicts in the trial of three suspects charged in the murder of Chris Beaty during the 2020 downtown riots.
Marcus Anderson, Alijah Jones, and Nakeyah Shields were convicted of robbing and killing Beaty in downtown Indianapolis on May 30, 2020, during the protests and riots that erupted following the murder of George Floyd.
Beaty, 38, was a well-known local figure nicknamed “Mr. Indianapolis.” He was a former student-athlete at Cathedral High School and played football at Indiana University.
Prosecutors say Anderson shot Beaty as Beaty tried to stop a robbery.
Anderson, Jones, and Shields were part of a group that robbed or tried to rob Beaty and six other people at gunpoint on the night of the riots, according to police. The crimes occurred within a matter of minutes, ending with Beaty’s murder near Talbott and Vermont Streets.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears released a statement Friday which said in part:
“Today we are thankful for this verdict and grateful to the Beaty family for the dignity, grace, and patience they have continuously displayed throughout this difficult process. Chris tragically lost his life while caring for others and his city. His death was felt by many throughout Indianapolis, Bloomington, and beyond.
In a time of unrest and doubt, his legacy inspired many to live each day to the fullest, look out for others, and to do the right thing. A legacy that is just as relevant as it was three years ago — may we all continue to ‘Live like Chris’ and make our community a better place.”
All three are set to be sentenced on June 21.
Previous coverage
- Federal judge dismisses lawsuit by Beaty family over death during Indianapolis riot
- Remembering Chris Beaty a year after his murder in downtown Indianapolis riots
- Jury indicts 2 more on murder charges for death of Chris Beaty
- Court docs detail murder, series of robberies committed during downtown riots; 2 suspects charged, 1 dead
- Man charged with murder of Chris Beaty on night of downtown riots