On the evening of January 3, 2021, James Greenberg, a 35-year-old male, was visiting a friend on the northwest side of Indianapolis. After leaving the friend's home in the 2000 block of Coil Street, he was met with a hail of bullets. Responding to reports of a person shot, police discovered Greenberg lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots and seeing a gray vehicle speeding away from the scene.
The investigation into the homicide revealed a sinister plot born from jealousy. William Ballard, 31, had become enraged over communications between his girlfriend and Greenberg. In the time leading up to the shooting, Ballard had a heated argument with his girlfriend about her contact with Greenberg. It is believed that Ballard then took his girlfriend's phone and sent text messages to Greenberg to arrange a meeting. Unaware of the ruse, Greenberg went to the agreed-upon location where Ballard was waiting. Ballard then shot Greenberg multiple times before fleeing.
IMPD arrested William Ballard on charges of murder, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, intimidation, and domestic battery. During a search of Ballard's home, officers found the weapon used in the murder. In February 2023, following a three-day trial, a jury convicted Ballard of murder. He was also found guilty of domestic battery, attempted obstruction of justice, and attempted invasion of privacy.
