INDIANAPOLIS — Behind the counter at Pa and Ma's Backyard BBQ, workers were still serving up plates of yams, meatloaf and green beans despite owner George Nelson Sr. being tragically killed Wednesday night on the near northwest side of Indianapolis.
When asked why they stayed open Thursday one day after Nelson's death, Nelson's family says they're living by what he always told them — "Chin up, chest out."
"It's open today because that's what he did. He served the people. He served the people every single day, ever since he's been here. There's not a person who walks down this block that my cousin, George Nelson, hasn't fed," Tawana Gulley said.
The shooting was reported around 9 p.m. Aug. 21 in the 2600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, near West 26th Street.
Nelson, 56, was taken in critical condition to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
While spoonfuls of food were being put into to-go containers, people were also walking away with the memories they have of Nelson.
"You know, he's a real good guy. He's every bit of the kind of man you would want to be. I mean, he worked hard every day. I mean, he didn't ask for anything, he got out here and made it," said Tyrone Curry, a longtime customer of Nelson's.
Jamal Aboubacar said he's known Nelson for over a decade and that he'd do anything for anybody.
"I have my grandma that was sick back in Africa, and I told him, 'Hey George, I haven't been the best because my grandma is sick, and he said, 'Hey, you know,' and gave me a $100 bill. I cannot forget that. That was maybe back eight years ago. He said just send her and support her," Aboubacar said.
As far as Nelson's legacy, his family says that will be carried out every day at the corner of 26th and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. streets.
"When I tell you this dude has a passion for food, he's like highly obsessive, so like if he has a recipe, he's going to try it 24 different ways until he gets it right, so that's what he wants us to do," said Nelson's daughter, Brockelle.
The Nelson family says a balloon release will be held for him at his restaurant on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 3 p.m. Those wanting to attend are asked to bring blue, white and silver balloons.
Shortly before midnight Wednesday, IMPD officers responding to a shots fired report in the 2000 block of North Bancroft Street, near Emerson Avenue and East 21st Street, located the suspect car from the homicide with three men inside.
The three men were detained, and police found two guns in the car while executing a search warrant, IMPD said. A 38-year-old man was taken into custody and later arrested.
According to Nelson's family, the suspect was helping repair the siding on the restaurant. They say Nelson offered half the money upfront and the rest when the job was done. However, the suspect allegedly wanted all the money upfront, causing a disagreement.
Court documents say the suspect and Nelson got into an argument because the suspect allegedly tore off the siding he had put up the day before. Nelson then allegedly got upset because they had already paid for that portion of the work.
According to court documents, the two men who were with the suspect claim Nelson Sr. pointed a gun at the suspect before the suspect shot Nelson Sr.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will determine final charges.
(NOTE: 13News does not name suspects until formal charges are filed by prosecutors.)
Anyone with additional information on the shooting is asked to contact Det. Ty Lambert at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or email TyAnn.Lambert@indy.gov.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.