INDIANAPOLIS, IN – A local businessman was fatally shot outside his restaurant on the city’s near north side Wednesday night, leaving the community in mourning. Authorities believe the incident stemmed from a financial dispute. The victim, George Nelson Sr., 56, was a beloved figure known for his dedication to uplifting his neighborhood.
The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at the intersection of 26th Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Street, outside Nelson’s restaurant, Mama’s Backyard Barbecue. Nelson, affectionately known as “Big George,” was remembered by family and friends as a pillar of the community who frequently offered jobs and support to those in need.
Police quickly apprehended the suspect, 38-year-old Justin Jones, just hours after the shooting. Jones was found on the east side of the city following a report of shots fired. Investigators believe Nelson had hired Jones for some work at the restaurant, but an argument over unpaid labor escalated tragically.
Reverend Charles Harrison, whose church is located nearby, expressed his sorrow over the loss. He highlighted the challenges the area faces in attracting new businesses due to its high crime rate and lamented the senseless nature of the killing. “George was committed to revitalizing this neighborhood,” Harrison said. “He did so much for the community; his loss is felt by everyone.”
Nelson had been running Mama’s Backyard Barbecue for several years and had recently opened a new location on Martin Luther King Jr. Street. His efforts to improve the area and provide opportunities for local residents were well-known and deeply appreciated.
The suspect, Jones, is currently being held without bond at the Marion County Jail, awaiting formal charges. The community continues to grapple with the loss of a man who was more than just a businessman; he was a beacon of hope and a force for positive change.