In the fading light of a November evening in 2015, the life of 21-year-old Anthony Dean was cut short in a burst of gunfire. A Black / African American male from Indianapolis, Dean found himself in the parking lot of a Burger King situated near the intersection of West 38th Street and North Illinois Street on the city's near north side on November 7th. It was there that a violent exchange erupted between the occupants of two vehicles, leading to a shootout.
While the precise events that precipitated the shooting remain somewhat obscured, authorities indicated that the incident was not a random act of violence.
The aftermath of the shooting saw the community grapple with sorrow and frustration, as local religious leaders and residents gathered at the scene to mourn the loss of a young life and call for an end to the violence that had been plaguing their neighborhoods. The investigation into Anthony Dean's death led to the apprehension of two suspects, Davon Grady and Davon Keeylen. The two men were subsequently charged in connection with Dean's killing, facing serious initial charges of murder, robbery, and aggravated battery.
As the case proceeded through the legal system, a development occurred in May 2017. Grady and Keeylen entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated battery. In exchange for their guilty pleas, the more severe charges of murder and robbery were dismissed. Both men were sentenced to six years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, to be followed by five years in Marion County Community Corrections and two years of probation. As part of their sentencing, Grady was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and treatment, and both men were mandated to complete a substance abuse evaluation.
