On the evening of November 28, 2022, 27-year-old Johnny Ray Yates Sr. was shot and killed in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Yates had arranged to meet acquaintances to trade firearms and marijuana at a residence in the 2900 block of Reed Street. He arrived with his girlfriend, who drove their vehicle, and two younger individuals joined them in the back seat.

Tinker produced a handgun and fired multiple shots into Yates’ back. Yates’ girlfriend drove away and stopped in the 2800 block of Monroe Street, where emergency responders transported him to a hospital; he died shortly after arrival. The Allen County Coroner ruled the death a homicide from multiple gunshot wounds.

Witness statements and digital evidence identified Tinker as the shooter. He was charged as an adult with felony murder and robbery causing serious bodily injury; a jury convicted him of felony murder and attempted robbery, and he received a 65-year sentence in April 2023. An appeal filed in 2024 was denied, leaving the conviction and sentence in place.

If anyone knew Johnny Ray Yates Sr., his movements that night, or has information about the people involved, please share what is known.