LAWRENCE, IN – Authorities in Indiana have filed murder charges against a 19-year-old man who was arrested months after a deadly shooting that investigators say was motivated by jealousy.
Jeremy Jett, 19, is being held in the Marion County Jail without bond after being accused of fatally shooting 26-year-old Darius Timberlake at a Lawrence home in late April. Jett was slated for a court appearance on Thursday.
Police were called to a residence in the early morning hours of April 23 following reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they discovered Timberlake dead from gunshot wounds. At the time, authorities detained an individual at the scene for questioning but did not clarify the person’s involvement.
Court records allege that Jett entered his girlfriend’s home to find Timberlake in bed with her. Tensions escalated during the confrontation, which turned violent and ended in gunfire. According to the probable cause affidavit, Jett’s girlfriend told detectives that he exhibited signs of jealousy and accused her of cheating.
According to investigators, a struggle broke out between Jett and Timberlake over a firearm. Jett ultimately fired the weapon, striking Timberlake. Instead of calling for help immediately, court documents say Jett waited more than 30 minutes before reaching out to 911. During that call, Jett reportedly claimed the shooting was accidental.
However, evidence gathered from interviews and social media painted a different picture. The girlfriend reportedly told police she did not believe the shooting was an accident, instead describing Jett as consumed by jealousy during the altercation. According to the affidavit, Jett repeatedly questioned her about why she was with Timberlake.
Further scrutiny of Jett’s online activity revealed that, before his arrest, he allegedly messaged friends on Instagram and discussed plans to present the incident as self-defense.
Following an investigation that spanned several weeks, authorities charged Jett with murder. He remains in custody as the legal process gets underway.
Investigators say the case highlights how emotionally charged disputes can quickly escalate with tragic consequences. Timberlake’s slaying has left family and friends searching for answers as the community awaits further developments from the courtroom.