GARY, Ind. – A Gary man was found guilty on Wednesday for a fatal shooting at a gas station on 5th Avenue. Aaron Sawyer, 26, now faces a sentence of 45 to 65 years for the murder. Additionally, he is looking at another seven years for a firearms enhancement, according to his attorney, John Cantrell. The exact date for his sentencing has yet to be determined.
Sawyer, identified as the gunman, was charged in connection with the shooting death of Dorell Townsend, 22, who was also from Gary, on May 31, 2020.
Terry Horton, Sawyer’s half-brother, pleaded guilty as an accomplice for assisting a criminal. He is now facing a Level 5 felony and could be sentenced to up to three years in prison in exchange for his testimony.
During Horton’s testimony on Tuesday, he stated that he was unsure if Townsend wanted to engage in a fight inside the gas station. Nevertheless, there was no apparent threat moments before Sawyer opened fire.
Prosecutors argued that Sawyer shot and killed Townsend without any provocation or evidence of him being a threat. However, Cantrell asserted that it was an act of self-defense, claiming that his client believed he had to shoot first.
Cantrell expressed disappointment that the court did not allow them to discuss Townsend’s street name (“Dooda da Shoota”). He argued that this information could have been relevant to the case.
Sawyer believed that Townsend was armed and dangerous, according to Cantrell.
The incident took place on May 31, 2020, at a gas station on the 2700 block of W. 5th Avenue in Gary. When the police arrived at the scene, they found Townsend lying near the front doors. The responding officer described the crime scene as “chaotic,” with a large crowd gathered. One family member even managed to get past the crime tape and approach the doors before being restrained and removed.
Surveillance footage revealed that Townsend and a woman arrived at the gas station at around 5 p.m. Shortly after, Horton and Sawyer also arrived and followed them inside. Sawyer was seen adjusting a weapon while Horton exchanged words with Townsend.
Sawyer then pulled out a gun from his pants and momentarily halted his action as three children and an older woman walked by. He proceeded to shoot Townsend multiple times, as captured by the video.
The woman near the entrance ran to her car as shattered glass surrounded her, according to the charges.
Gary police officers identified Horton, wearing red pants, a red hat, and a white shirt, as the second man involved after a news release was issued. However, the alleged shooter, who wore black shorts, a black shirt, and a hat, remained unknown initially.
A tip from a relative who was incarcerated led detectives to Sawyer. He was the only man listed as a contact in the relative’s information.