INDIANAPOLIS — A judge sentenced two men to more than 65 years each for their roles in the murder of an Indianapolis funeral home director in 2022.
Stacey Fuller, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 76 years in prison, while Jashon Wallace-Carswell, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 66 years in prison.
Rev. James Dixon was shot and killed around 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, 2022, right outside the Dixon Memorial Chapel. He had stopped at his business, which is near West 16th Street and Lafayette Road, on his motorcycle to get out of the rain.
Fuller and Wallace-Carswell were convicted June 27. Both men were found guilty on two counts of murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, while Fuller was also found guilty for armed robbery and criminal recklessness.
"We are pleased to get justice on behalf of Reverend James and the Dixon family who have shown such strength throughout this incredibly difficult time," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement. "This significant sentence is a testament to our commitment to prosecute those who threaten the well-being and safety of our community. Rev. Dixon was beloved by many, and we hope this conclusion brings solace to his family, friends, and neighbors whom he selflessly served and helped find peace during their grieving journeys."
On Aug. 4, 2022, IMPD officers responded to a report of a carjacking that happened at a home in the 5000 block of Gateway Drive, near 38th Street and Moller Road.
Officers spoke with the victim, who said she was sitting in her car when two men – later identified as Fuller and Wallace-Carswell – forced her out of her car at gunpoint.
The next day, the IMPD Covert Robert team placed a tracker on the car and began to track it.
On Aug. 6, 2022, an FBI agent saw the car going north on Lafayette Road and eventually stop at a business located on Belleview Place. The FBI agent then saw Fuller and Wallace-Carswell argue with Dixon. While trying to get out of his car and intervene, the FBI agent said he heard multiple gunshots and saw Dixon fall to the ground.
The FBI agent said Fuller and Wallace-Carswell then left the scene in the stolen car, and a chase ensued. Wallace-Carswell was quickly taken into custody, but police said Fuller ran from them and shot at an IMPD SWAT vehicle before he was taken into custody.
During the trial, Fuller's attorney said Dixon also had a gun and this was not a murder and the cops were too far away to see what was happening.
Wallace-Carswell's attorney suggested his client was just a passenger and did not take part in the crime.
(NOTE: the video at the top of this story is from June when Fuller and Wallace-Carswell were convicted.)