Judge sentences man to 65 years for Christmas Day 2024 murder

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A 2024 Christmas Day gathering that turned deadly led to 65 years in a state prison for the 39-year-old man convicted of the crime.

 A judge in Marion Superior Court 29 on Tuesday sentenced Derek Tyrone McKenzie III, of Indianapolis, for fatally shooting Cedric Crews, 44. Crews died at a hospital after the shooting.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers about 11:30 a.m. Dec. 25, 2024, arrived at a home in the 4400 block of Kitley Avenue after McKenzie shot Crews in the chest. Investigators say a brief argument happened inside the home before McKenzie demanded to know who had slammed a door. He then threatened to kill Crews and shot him.

“In a matter of seconds, an irreversible and tragic choice was made that decimated the lives of two families, culminating in today’s sentence and a measure of justice for Cedric and his family,” Mears said.

McKenzie was convicted July 28 in a bench trial of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and a felony firearm sentencing enhancement.

IMPD did not yet respond to Circle City Broadcasting for a photo of McKenzie.