Indianapolis jury finds Donnie Abney guilty of murder

Donnie Abney was found guilty of murder and unlawful carrying of a handgun by a Marion County jury on Wednesday. The verdict concludes a three-day trial concerning the April 2025 death of Forrest Grant on the near southwest side of Indianapolis. Jurors deliberated for three hours before reaching their decision, according to Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of April 17, 2025. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers located Grant with a gunshot wound outside a tobacco store near a bus stop. Witness testimony established that Abney and his father had been arguing with Grant outside the establishment. During the dispute, Abney drew a handgun several times before firing a single shot that struck Grant in the torso.

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage from nearby businesses to support witness accounts. Evidence also showed that Abney contacted several acquaintances while on the run and admitted to shooting Grant. Ryan Mears noted the case involved a young person with a gun who was unequipped to handle a brief dispute, resulting in life-altering consequences for everyone involved.

The court will now decide if Abney faces an additional sentencing enhancement for using a firearm in the crime. Abney’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 3 at 10:30 a.m.