In a tragic turn of events on the evening of April 23, 2022, Eric Preer, a 31-year-old man, was shot and killed while at his job at the College Avenue Smoke Shop on the near north side of Indianapolis. Preer was working to support his two young daughters and his mother, who was battling terminal cancer. His family described him as a loving person and a father figure to his niece.
The incident unfolded just after 7:30 p.m.
when two men entered the smoke shop in what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. Security footage from the shop showed two individuals, later identified as Jalen Frierson and Hakeem Jackson, aggressively approaching Preer. Frierson was seen firing multiple shots at Preer, fatally wounding him. After the shooting, the two men fled the scene in a vehicle. Eric Preer was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The Marion County Coroner's Office subsequently ruled his death a homicide.
An investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department led them to a nearby apartment complex where they located the suspects' vehicle. A short pursuit ensued when the vehicle drove toward the interstate, which ended with Hakeem Jackson being taken into custody. The 9mm handgun used in the shooting was recovered from inside the car. Jalen Frierson was apprehended several days later.
Both men faced charges for their roles in Eric Preer's death. Hakeem Jackson pleaded guilty to attempted robbery resulting in serious bodily injury and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. In February 2024, following a three-day jury trial, Jalen Frierson was convicted of two counts of murder and attempted armed robbery. Court testimony revealed that before the incident, Frierson had asked his companions to purchase a ski mask for him. After the shooting, he went to an apartment, showered, and played video games. A sentencing hearing for Frierson was scheduled for March 4, 2024.
