INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Two teenagers face serious charges after an Indiana man was fatally ambushed during a seemingly innocuous date. The ill-fated evening ended tragically for 25-year-old Jarrell Pryor, who was shot dead on Jan. 25 while on a date organized via social media.
Police allege that 19-year-old Alexis Hawkins orchestrated the plot to rob Pryor, using Instagram to communicate with her boyfriend, 18-year-old Brian Winston Jr., during the date. According to an arrest affidavit, Winston allegedly carried out the fatal shooting while Pryor sat in his car.
Authorities noted that Pryor and Hawkins had arranged their meeting through Instagram. However, unbeknownst to Pryor, Hawkins had been in concurrent communication with Winston, reportedly planning the robbery under the guise of a date.
Insights from Hawkins’ Instagram account, obtained via a search warrant, revealed ominous searches for local news and shootings on the same day.
As the investigation advanced, police discovered Hawkins had contacted several individuals, requesting a ride from the scene around the time of the incident. When questioned by police on Feb. 6, Hawkins claimed memory loss regarding the events of the night, asserting she was not in possession of a weapon and suggested her fingerprints would not connect her to the crime.
The case took a significant turn when questions arose about a message Hawkins allegedly sent before the crime, referring to making a “play.” At that point, Hawkins ceased cooperation and invoked her right to an attorney. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder and robbery, resulting in serious bodily injury.
Winston faces similar allegations, including charges of murder, felony murder, and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. Both teens are currently detained at the Marion County Jail without bond.
Both suspects are scheduled for a court appearance on May 19 as the justice system prepares to advance their cases. The tragic loss of Pryor, a young father, underscores the perils of online interactions turning into real-world violence.