In the late hours of a Saturday, on June 25, 2022, a man dedicated to curbing violence in his community became a victim of it himself. John 'JB' Barnett, a 45-year-old Black male, was fatally shot at a Phillips 66 gas station located on North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when some kind of disturbance unfolded at the gas station. Barnett was found with gunshot wounds and, despite being rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, he succumbed to his injuries. At the time of the shooting, he was not on duty as a peacemaker. According to his girlfriend, they had just stopped for gas. She was filling her motorcycle while he was wiping down his car when the shots rang out.
Barnett was a well-known figure in his community, serving as an outreach worker for the city's Office of Public Health and Safety's violence reduction team. His role as a peacemaker involved connecting with at-risk individuals to offer them resources and steer them away from a life of violence. Colleagues and loved ones remembered him as a proud man, a dedicated father, and a comedian who brought laughter to those around him. The day before his death, he was at a local park, engaging with children and ensuring they felt safe and valued. His death left a profound void in the community he tirelessly served.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating Barnett's death as a homicide. Detectives believe there were numerous people at the gas station when the shooting occurred and have urged witnesses to come forward with any information. Despite public pleas and ongoing efforts by law enforcement, no arrests have been made in the case, and no suspects have been publicly identified. In their quest for justice, Barnett's family has taken steps to hire a private investigator to aid in the investigation. The community has honored his memory through balloon releases and prayer vigils, celebrating his life's work while grappling with the violence that claimed it.
