Armed robbers who murdered Chris Beaty during downtown Indy riots to remain in prison thanks to Attorney General Todd Rokita and appeals team

Armed robbers who murdered Chris Beaty during downtown Indy riots to remain in prison thanks to Attorney General Todd Rokita and appeals team

Three people who were involved in the murder of Chris Beaty must continue serving 108- and 164-year sentences after Attorney General Todd Rokita's legal team prevailed at the Indiana Court of Appeals.

"We lost a beloved community member in a horrific attack in May of 2020," Attorney General Rokita said. "Although no one can prevent deadly crimes before they happen, our office works hard to keep Hoosiers and their loved ones safe from the potential subsequent actions of a wide array of wrongdoers. A big part of that work includes keeping dangerous lawbreakers off the street through our handling of criminal appeals."

In the days following George Floyd's death, there were protests and demonstrations around the country, including in downtown Indianapolis. On Saturday, May 30, 2020, what began as peaceful protests turned violent and destructive as night fell.

Three criminals - Marcus Anderson, Alijah Jones and Nakeyah Shields - held a woman at gunpoint and robbed her of her phone, wallet and car. They then proceeded to rob another woman of her cellphone and backpack after assaulting her.

At some point that same night, Chris Beaty left his apartment through a Delaware Street entrance and turned right, walking toward Vermont Street, where he had an interaction with Shields. Moments later, gunshots were heard, and Beaty's body was found in the street with four gunshot wounds in his back and evidence of blunt force injuries.

Anderson, Jones and Shields were eventually found guilty of felony murder, multiple counts of felony armed robbery, and multiple counts of attempted felony armed robbery.

In separate appeals, the three defendants raised a variety of issues they claimed raised doubts about the validity of their convictions and the lengths of their sentences. In each case, however, the Indiana Court of Appeals upheld the convictions and sentences.

Those appellate decisions are attached.

A headshot of Attorney General Rokita is available for download.

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• Anderson Opinion
• Jones Opinion
• Shields Opinion