James Dixon III, 55, was shot and killed outside his Indianapolis funeral chapel in the early morning hours of August 6, 2022. A respected funeral director and U.S. Army veteran who ran Dixon Memorial Chapel & Cremation Services, he was described as a community-minded man who helped families in need and organized drive-up viewings during the pandemic. Dixon stopped at his business on his motorcycle seeking shelter from the rain when two armed young men in a stolen SUV approached, demanded his wallet and shot him. He died at the scene while responding officers — part of a joint Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Violent Crimes Task Force investigation nearby — witnessed the attack and pursued the suspects.

Officers say the suspects fired at police during the short chase; one passenger was taken into custody after exiting the vehicle, and the driver was captured after a foot pursuit. Both defendants were charged with murder and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, among other counts. The community lost a well-known mentor and father; if anyone knew Dixon or has information about the shooting, please come forward to share what you know.