In the early evening of April 3, 2025, a fatal encounter unfolded on the near east side of Indianapolis that would end the life of 61-year-old Ryan Aaron McClellan. The male victim was discovered shot to death inside a U-Haul van in the 2100 block of East Washington Street, near Willard Park. His death was later ruled a homicide by the Marion County Coroner's Office, caused by a gunshot wound.
The investigation into McClellan's death took a significant turn with the arrest of Russell
Phelps. Phelps has been charged with assisting a criminal in committing murder and obstruction of justice. While not accused of the shooting itself, evidence suggests his involvement in the events following the homicide.
According to court documents, the incident began with a minor traffic collision where the U-Haul driven by McClellan struck a Nissan. Surveillance video captured a man approaching the U-Haul and speaking with McClellan. Following this interaction, the same man is seen walking away. Later, the footage shows Phelps approaching the U-Haul, looking inside, and then communicating with someone in a nearby Chevrolet.
Further actions captured on video show Phelps, wearing gloves, entering the U-Haul and emerging with a cellphone and keys. He is then seen throwing the phone, later identified as McClellan's, toward an alley. A search of an apartment connected to the owner of the Nissan led to the discovery of the U-Haul keys. A subsequent search of a Chrysler owned by Phelps uncovered his work ID and a firearm. During a police interview, Phelps admitted to picking up the phone but claimed he thought it was his and stated he wore gloves because he is a 'clean person.' He denied any knowledge of how the U-Haul keys ended up in the apartment. The investigation into the identity of the shooter is ongoing.
