IMPD: Arrest made in November 2021 homicide on east side

INDIANAPOLIS — A man who was already in federal custody has been arrested in relation to a November 2021 homicide, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Earlier this month, Anthony Porter was preliminarily charged with murder. This comes after 47-year-old Ail Smith Jr. was found dead in the trunk of a vehicle as officers were investigating a vehicle fire on the east side of Indianapolis on Nov. 9, 2021.

According to previous reports, the car was still running at the time while the passenger side of the car was on fire. Smith’s cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the death was ruled a homicide.

Since the incident, detectives have continued the investigation into Smith’s death, including multiple searches and warrants. IMPD said in an update on Tuesday that detectives recently tracked down two individuals, one of whom was an alleged witness to the crime, who “provided crucial information.”

This new information led to Porter’s arrest. When Porter was arrested, IMPD said he was in federal custody for an unrelated incident. According to previous reports, Porter pleaded guilty to a carjacking in February 2024.

“Even after years have passed, our Unsolved Homicide Unit detectives remained committed to finding answers (for) the victim and his loved ones,” IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said. “Their efforts and determination led to an arrest in this case, reinforcing that IMPD will not stop seeking justice for victims, no matter how long it takes.”

IMPD said that another man was arrested on preliminary charges of assisting a criminal in this case. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final charging decision in this homicide case.