INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Authorities have arrested a 22-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting a 62-year-old at a bus stop following a dispute over money in mid-April, according to local law enforcement.
Donnie Abney III faces murder charges in connection with the April 17 death of Forrest Tab Grant. Witness accounts suggest the incident escalated from an argument between Grant and Abney III’s father, Donnie Abney Jr., at a downtown Indianapolis bus stop, culminating in the younger Abney allegedly firing the fatal shot as Grant turned away.
Initial reports indicate that nine witnesses came forward, identifying Abney III as the shooter after observing the altercation unfold. Prior to the shooting, Abney Jr. and Grant were engaged in a verbal conflict, with Abney III joining his father and allegedly brandishing a firearm during the dispute. However, the gun was not discharged until Grant attempted to walk away.
Despite Grant’s effort to de-escalate by departing, the confrontation ended tragically when Abney III allegedly shot him in the back. Responding medical teams transported Grant to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Court documents further reveal that tensions between Grant and Abney III may have been simmering even before the bus stop encounter. A confrontation reportedly occurred the previous day at a Family Dollar store, during which Abney III allegedly threatened Grant with a gun but did not fire.
In the days following the shooting, Abney III reportedly discussed the incident with relatives via Facebook Messenger. During these exchanges, he allegedly expressed regret over the confrontation, claiming self-defense as he perceived a threat from Grant, who was armed with a stick at the time of the incident.
The police eventually apprehended Abney III two weeks after the shooting, despite his attempts to evade capture. He was detained and booked into the Marion County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
Investigators have disclosed that decisions regarding potential charges against Donnie Abney Jr. for his involvement in the incident will be determined by the Marion County prosecutor’s office.