James A. Thornton, a 52-year-old Black man from Indianapolis, was found dead on December 5, 2017, in the 300 block of North Mickley Avenue on the city’s west side. Authorities ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma and described the incident as a robbery that turned fatal. The assault occurred around 1:00 a.m.

Despite the clear location and time, police had not identified suspects or announced any arrests by the end of 2017. Family and friends, who called him Jamie, held a visitation on the morning of Friday, December 15, 2017, at Lavenia & Summers Home for Funerals; he was buried at New Crown Cemetery.

If anyone was in that area around 1:00 a.m. on December 5, 2017, or has information about the robbery that led to Jamie Thornton’s death, please come forward.