In the winter of 2019, the life of 18-year-old Justin Ameer Garner was tragically cut short in Michigan City, Indiana. On the evening of January 16th, Garner was discovered in his vehicle in the 200 block of Elston Street, having sustained a single gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but the young man was pronounced deceased.
Garner, a junior at Michigan City High School, was known for his enjoyment of basketball and video games.
The investigation into Garner's death quickly led authorities to a suspect, 16-year-old Javan Brown. Within a day of the discovery of Garner's body, Brown was taken into custody in connection with the shooting. A probable cause hearing was held, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of murder. Brown was subsequently booked into the La Porte County Jail.
During the ensuing jury trial, Javan Brown testified and admitted to shooting Garner, but claimed it was an accident. The jury ultimately found Brown guilty of reckless homicide, a lesser charge than the initial murder accusation, and dangerous possession of a firearm. Following his conviction, the court sentenced Brown to five and one-half years for reckless homicide and one year for the firearm charge. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of six and one-half years of incarceration. An appeal of his conviction was later filed but was ultimately unsuccessful.
