Eric Preer was 31 when he was shot and killed at the College Avenue Smoke Shop on the near north side of Indianapolis on the evening of April 23, 2022. He was working to support his two young daughters and his mother, who was battling terminal cancer; family described him as a loving person and a father figure to his niece.

The shooting occurred just after 7:30 p.m. when two men entered the shop in what authorities believe was an attempted robbery. Security footage showed two individuals approach Preer aggressively; one, later identified as Jalen Frierson, was seen firing multiple shots that fatally wounded him. Preer was taken to a hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead on arrival; the Marion County Coroner ruled the death a homicide.

Police located the suspects’ vehicle near a nearby apartment complex and pursued it toward the interstate. The chase ended with Hakeem Jackson taken into custody and a 9mm handgun recovered from the car; Jalen Frierson was arrested several days later. Both men face charges related to Preer’s death.

If anyone knew Eric, worked at or patronized the smoke shop that night, or has information about the case, please share what you know.