Gary Man Sentenced to 35 Years in 2023 Killing
A 29-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 35 years in the Indiana Department of Correction after pleading guilty in the 2023 shooting death of Jalen Hurd, according to Lake County court records.
Keeon Jamarr Lee, who investigators identified through surveillance video, vehicle records, cell-phone data, and evidence recovered from a Buick Lacrosse registered to him, admitted to Voluntary Manslaughter with a firearm enhancement in connection with the January 9, 2023 homicide near the Hudson-Campbell Fitness Center in Gary.
Court records show Lee was originally charged with Murder under Count I, but that charge was dismissed Wednesday as part of the plea agreement after he pled guilty to Count II, Voluntary Manslaughter, a Level 2 felony.
Judge Natalie Bokota ordered Lee to serve 25 years on the manslaughter conviction plus 10 years for the firearm enhancement, for a total of 35 years. He will also be placed on lifetime parole after completing his executed term, and he received credit for time served dating back to February 2023.
