INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana- A man has been found guilty in a shooting that resulted in the death of a downtown Indianapolis smoke shop worker nearly two years ago. Jalen Frierson was convicted of murder and attempted robbery in the killing of Eric Preer at the College Avenue Smoke Shop on the city’s near north side. Frierson’s accomplice, Hakeem Jackson, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in connection with the incident.
During the three-day trial in Marion Superior Court, jurors were presented with evidence including surveillance video from the smoke shop. Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Joe Cermak emphasized the significance of the video, urging the jurors to trust their own eyes in identifying Frierson as the gunman.
According to prosecutors, Preer was fatally shot while working at the shop, where Frierson and Jackson had entered with the intent to rob him. The probable cause affidavit confirmed that the store’s video footage captured Frierson firing a gun while Jackson stood by the door.
Cermak expressed his commitment to delivering justice for Preer’s family, stating, “His name is Eric Preer and he was just working. And that’s it. He didn’t do nothing wrong and it was the last day of his life.” The prosecutor’s efforts resulted in Frierson facing a sentence of 45 to 95 years in prison, while Jackson faces a sentence ranging from 10 to 30 years in prison.
Superior Court Judge Angela Davis has scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 4 to determine the consequences for Frierson and Jackson. The guilty verdict and impending sentencing offer some closure for Preer’s loved ones as they continue to grapple with his tragic and senseless death.