Man involved in killing of Ben Davis High School student reaches plea deal
INDIANAPOLIS — The second man arrested in the 2022 killing of a 16-year-old Ben Davis High School student reached an agreement with prosecutors in which his murder charge was dismissed Thursday, court records show.
Keith Miller, 21, pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal and obstruction of justice as part of the agreement and was sentenced to seven years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
The charges stem from the April 10, 2022, shooting death of Michael Duerson III – who went by MJ. Police found the teen with gunshot wounds in the 5600 block of East 38th Street, on the east side of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis police arrested Miller and Jayden Jennings, 20, in the shooting. Police believe the shooting involved the sale of a gun.
Previous coverage: 'MJ did not deserve this': Family mourns teen lost to gun violence, calls for answers
Jayden Jennings was sentenced to 25 years in the Indiana Department of Correction as part of an agreement with prosecutors earlier this month. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, a lesser charge, in exchange for the state dismissing his murder and robbery charges.
Duerson loved to play sports, especially basketball, and listening to music.
His family organized a prayer vigil and balloon release to honor him in April 2022. Loved ones dressed in his favorite colors of red, white and black.
Antonio Lanier, the boy’s grandfather, said family members have questioned the plea agreement that was offered to Miller.
“They were both there when my grandson was shot and killed,” Lainer said. “It doesn't seem fair to me. He was on the scene, and I felt like he was complicit."
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jake_Allen19.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis crime: Keith Miller pleads in killing of Michael Duerson III
