Ernest D. Thornsbury, 47, was shot and killed in New Castle, Indiana, on May 2, 2023. He was found lying in the roadway near the intersection of South 21st Street and A Avenue with a gunshot wound and later died at Henry Community Health. Authorities have described the killing as a random and senseless act of violence.

Investigators quickly focused on a group of juveniles. A 13-year-old boy, identified as Quinton Marqtez Vann, was arrested and charged with murder; his case was transferred to adult court and his trial was scheduled for March of the following year. A 15-year-old, Adrian James Dukes, was accused of supplying the handgun and was also charged as an adult. In April 2024 Dukes pleaded guilty to unlawful transfer of a handgun; the murder-related charge was dismissed and he received a 12-year sentence with four years suspended to probation.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting near South 21st Street and A Avenue or has information about the events that night is asked to come forward.