INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man was sentenced to 86 years on two counts of murder and attempted armed robbery for his role in the 2022 deadly shooting of a smoke shop employee on the city's near north side.
Jalen Frierson got 76 years in prison and five years probation for the deadly shooting. He got another five years in prison for violation of parole.
A jury found Frierson guilty Feb. 1 after a three-day jury trial.
Frierson's co-defendant, Hakeem Jackson, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and unlawful possession of a serious violent felon. Jackson received a 21-year sentence, with 17 of that in prison.
On April 23, 2022, the two entered a smoke shop in the 1900 block of North College Avenue, near East 20th Street, where Eric Preer was working. Frierson and Jackson "can be seen on security footage aggressively approaching the victim before Frierson fires multiple shots at Preer, killing him," the prosecutor's office said.
Frierson and Jackson hopped in a car and drove away after the shooting.
An IMPD robbery detective located the suspects' car at a nearby apartment complex. Shortly after, the car drove toward the interstate and a police chase began. Jackson was taken into custody when the car stopped.
The prosecutor's office said the gun used in the shooting, a 9mm handgun, was found inside the car.
“Eric Preer was a son, a father, an uncle, and a friend, who was simply working to provide for himself and his family when he was senselessly killed," Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. "I commend the deputy prosecutors, investigators, and witnesses for their contributions that led to justice for Preer and his family, who have endured such tragedy.”