Indy man sentenced to 65 years after killing man during fight over stolen money

INDIANAPOLIS — A man has been sentenced to 65 years in prison after being found guilty of murder in connection to the 2022 shooting death of a man on the east side of Indianapolis.

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Milton Porter received his sentence on Friday following the conclusion of a two-day trial on Dec. 4, 2024. Porter was found guilty of Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony).

According to previous reports, officers with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department were called on Oct. 14, 2022, to the 4500 block of E. Washington Street in response to a person shot run. Officers arrived and found a man, later identified as Calvin Lawson Jr., lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck.

As officers investigated the homicide, they were told by witnesses that Porter had appeared at Lawson’s apartment for an altercation. A fight ensued and ended with Porter firing one shot and fleeing the scene, according to MCPO.

Court documents said Porter had arrived at Lawson’s apartment to fight because the two had reportedly been arguing over stolen money worth less than $100.

After speaking with witnesses, detectives soon identified Porter as their primary suspect in the case. Porter was taken into custody and transported to the IMPD Homicide Office for further questioning before he was placed under arrest.

“What happened in this case illustrates the most troubling trend we see in law enforcement— young people using guns to settle basic disputes,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “When challenged by the defendant to “fight,” the victim made it clear he was unarmed and willing to resolve the confrontation without weapons. In the face of that restraint, the defendant chose to end Mr. Lawson’s life and ruin his own in the process.”