A confrontation in Gary, Indiana, on the afternoon of July 7, 2021, ended with the death of 42-year-old Donte Denson. Neals confronted Denson after Neals said Denson had been shooting at nearby cars. Neals reportedly armed himself with an assault-style rifle and demanded that Denson stop. The exchange escalated when Denson allegedly pointed a weapon at Neals, and multiple witnesses heard between 15 and 20 gunshots.

When officers arrived they found Denson with a fatal gunshot wound to his back and a large bruise on his head consistent with a fall. Neals later told investigators he did not believe he had struck Denson. Neals was charged with reckless homicide, a level 5 felony, and ordered held on a $3,000 cash bond; legal proceedings are ongoing. If anyone witnessed the shooting on 39th Street or has information about what happened that afternoon, please share what you know.