INDIANAPOLIS — A jury found an Indianapolis man guilty of murdering a woman who was shot multiple times and set on fire in a neighborhood on the west side of Indianapolis in 2021.
Dwayne Wright was convicted after a three-day trial in the death of 44-year-old Laura Gentry. He was sentenced to 60 years on March 7, 2024.
Around 5 a.m. on July 9, 2021, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 1100 block of Medford Avenue, near West 12th Street and North Tibbs Avenue.
Police arrived and found Gentry with multiple gunshot wounds and burns. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and died 10 days later.
The Marion County Coroner's Office said her cause of death was "complications of mixed modularity trauma; thermal burns and multiple gunshot wounds."
Gentry was able to identify the man who shot and burned her as “OG Wayne” to officers before being transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died due to a combination of thermal injuries and gunshot wounds.
Police arrested Wright on Aug. 23, 2022, for Gentry's murder.
“With today’s conclusion, we hope Ms. Gentry’s loved ones can begin to move forward from this horrific chapter knowing justice was served, in large part, due to the tremendous bravery she displayed in her final moments,” stated Prosecutor Mears.
Investigators at the scene found a burned plastic bottle in the alley near where Gentry was found. Forensic testing revealed Wright's DNA was on the plastic bottle, according to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office.
“Ms. Gentry showed incredible courage in her final moments that ultimately led us on a path towards this conviction,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. “The hard work and dedication from law enforcement and the community’s willingness to come forward throughout this investigation, helped hold the defendant accountable for his heinous actions.”