Justice Served: A Basketball Dispute Leads to Tragedy in Gary

Keeon Lee, 29, pleads guilty to manslaughter with a gun enhancement

The Incident

• Date: January 9, 2023, around noon
• Location: Near the Hudson-Campbell Sports & Fitness Center, just a block away from City Hall

Jalen "JayBall" Hurd, 24, was found shot multiple times in a tragic and senseless act of violence.

The Victim

• Jalen "JayBall" Hurd, 24
• Described as a "good brother" by family members
• Had plans to start a youth sports mentorship program

The Crime

• Shooting Details:
• Hurd was shot near his car
• A basketball with his name was found nearby
• Security footage showed a white vehicle pulling up, and a man shooting Hurd multiple times
• The shooter continued firing even after Hurd was on the ground
• Investigators found 30 shell casings at the scene
• Vehicle Details:
• The white vehicle was traced to Keeon Lee
• Lee's car was impounded the day after the shooting, and he did not attempt to retrieve it

The Plea Deal and Sentencing

• Plea Deal:
• Keeon Lee, 29, accepted a plea deal that included a gun enhancement
• The deal was the result of long negotiations
• Sentencing:
• Lee was sentenced to 35 years in prison
• Lee chose not to speak in court, surprising the judge
• Judge Natalie Bokota hesitated, saying she was "a little bit surprised" that Lee did not use the opportunity to express remorse publicly

The Aftermath

• The case highlights the devastating consequences of disputes and the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions
• The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and the devastating impact of gun violence